Potential of building information modelling (BIM) in improving safety management in the Malaysian construction industry

The construction industry is one of the hazardous industries. The scenario makes the safety research in industry is very important. BIM is a 3-Dimensional (3D) object database that can be easily visualised, has rich data and structured information. To improve safety in the construction industry, BIM is used to detect and alert construction members to potential project hazard. This research discusses the improvement of safety management in the Malaysian construction industry through BIM implementation and to promote BIM implementation in safety management among construction player in Malaysia. Literature review was carried out to discover BIM implementation in safety management of the construction industry. Six (6) semi structured interviews have been done toward the construction players such as client, contractor and BIM consultants that have experience in practicing BIM in construction projects in Malaysia. All data obtained from the semi-structured interviews were analysed using content analysis technique. The interview revealed that BIM have seven (7) advantage which are improvising 2D drafting, change management, convenience use of data, improve coordination, improve accuracy and efficiency, facilities management and enhance safety. However according to respondents, there are six (6) disadvantages in BIM implementation such as cost of BIM tools, cost of training, compatibility between software platforms, licensing issues, control of data entry and the adoption rate from 2D CAD to BIM. In safety aspect, there five (5) areas which BIM can help to improve which are excavation risk management plan, crane management plan, fall protection plan, emergency response plan, logistic planning of construction site, regular maintenance and forensic Investigation. The findings from the interviews provided clear evidence of the potential of improvement of safety management through BIM implementation. There are three (3) methods to increase the use of BIM for safety management in malaysian construction industry such as government role, clear guidelines, standards and technical codes and education and Thus, the research could encourage BIM implementation in safety management in the Malaysian construction industry