AN EXAMINATION OF DESIGN FOR SAFETY LEGISLATION IN CONSTRUCTION ACROSS MALAYSIA, UNITED KINGDOM, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND SINGAPORE: A DOCTRINAL ANALYSIS APPROACH

Abstract

This study undertakes a doctrinal analysis of Design for Safety legislation within the construction sectors of Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. The research identifies commonalities and divergences in how each jurisdiction integrates safety considerations during the design phase to mitigate construction risks by examining statutory frameworks, regulatory duties, and enforcement mechanisms. The study further contextualizes legal provisions through a comparative evaluation of construction accident data from 2023, revealing correlations between legislative rigor and safety outcomes. The findings indicate that while all jurisdictions emphasize early hazard identification and risk elimination, differences in enforcement practices and stakeholder responsibilities impact effectiveness. Malaysia’s recent 2024 regulations demonstrate progressive alignment with international best practices. The paper contributes to legal scholarship by highlighting the pivotal role of design-focused legislation in advancing occupational safety, offering insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to enhance construction safety through proactive legal frameworks.