Safety in Construction: Prevention Through Design

Southland has always been a safety leader in the construction industry, especially when it comes to the practice of a concept called Prevention through Design. For many years, we have embraced Lean concepts and continually improved upon maximizing the use of prefabrication. We utilize our shops to fabricate material and multi-trade racks in a controlled environment to reduce the amount of risk and exposure to the employees in the field while increasing overall production. 

Southland utilizes Building Information Modeling (BIM) to eliminate risks before they occur on the construction site. This technology is allowing us to take Prevention through Design to the next level. 

Mitigating occupational hazards 

 Southland virtually walks a project and plans for safety during the design phase. 

BIM-assisted Prevention through Design is the concept of mitigating occupational hazards by designing them out. We believe hazards and risks are more effectively and economically addressed by this process. Using BIM gives safety professionals the chance to walk the job virtually and identify key risks and opportunities associated with a project before construction begins. 

Identifying fall hazards 

Fall protection is a key BIM-assisted opportunity. We use the model to identify leading edges, access and egress points, openings and skylights, elevator and mechanical shafts, loading and landing zones, and other related hazards. 

After these fall hazards are identified, we design in cast-in-place fall protection anchor points. Safety professionals are able to access the model and insert anchor points that will translate into Trimble GPS Points in the field. Trimble equipment uses GPS technology to map out installation points during the decking phase. The cast-in-place anchor points are then installed before the concrete is poured. This eliminates the risk and exposure of the employee needing to drill in overhead safety anchor points after the concrete is poured. 

Determining excavation protection systems 

BIM can also be used to determine excavation protection systems. Safety professionals can access the model and take measurements of the excavation depth and dimensions. Additionally, they can use the technology to identify confined spaces in the project and plan for accessing these areas early on. 

At Southland, we firmly believe that utilizing Prevention through Design to its full capabilities will play a large role in reducing our injury rate and making sure our greatest resource returns home to their families each day.