Responsibilities & Why DfS Courses Matter
DfS professionals act as facilitators, ensuring the execution of the DfS review process and the systematic identification, mitigation, and documentation of risks. Their obligations are:
- Facilitating DfS review meetings with stakeholders.
- Creating and maintaining a DfS Register, a living document that monitors identified risks, mitigation efforts, and residual risks.
- Providing guidance on the identification of hazards and the management of risks throughout the various stages of the lifecycle, including design, construction, and demolition.
To note: A DfS professional can be a developer’s own employee or an external third party.
Why is this profession necessary?
Dr. Paul Clark highlights how safety is often compromised by tight deadlines and budget constraints, reinforcing the need for rigorous training. Safety professionals play a crucial role in ensuring compliance, leading safety initiatives, and shaping workplace culture. The DfS WSQ Course equips them with the skills to integrate safety into every project stage, strengthening both immediate and long-term industry safety. This reflects Singapore’s commitment to preventing workplace incidents and fostering a shared safety responsibility.
A 2016 survey by Goh and Chua targeted 43 CS engineers in Singapore to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Design for Safety (DfS) following recent regulatory changes. The findings revealed a general support for DfS among engineers, but highlighted significant gaps in knowledge and practical application. While most engineers were aware of DfS, only 10.9% were not prior to the survey; the majority learnt about it from their employers (43.7%) and not through their formal education, as only 4.4% had DfS included in their tertiary curriculum. Furthermore, over 61% of the engineers had never participated in a DfS training course, a figure exacerbated by the fact that such training is typically reserved for those with over a decade of industry experience.
The survey also compared DfS competence across various roles within the construction sector, revealing that:
- Safety Professionals: Felt most competent in DfS, scoring an average of 3.56 out of 5.
- Developers/Clients and CS Engineers: Scored slightly lower, indicating a high level of competence but slightly below safety professionals.
- ME Engineers: Reported significantly lower competence levels, with an average score of 2.94 out of 5.
- Architects: Similar to ME engineers, architects also showed lower DfS competence with an average score of 3.06 out of 5.
The significance of improving DfS training is shown by statistics from the Ministry of Manpower, which indicated that around 80% of fatal accidents and dangerous occurrences in the construction sector over a two-year period involved projects with contract values exceeding SGD 10 million. In light of these figures, and to reduce costs and time delays, it has become mandatory for projects above this threshold to integrate DfS from the design stage, shifting the focus from reactive to proactive risk management during construction.
Key Benefits of the Course
Professional Development
The Design for Safety (DfS) WSQ Course significantly enhances professional development by equipping participants with crucial certifications that boost their credibility and open up expansive career opportunities.
A notable example can be seen in the job posting for a Risk Management Facilitator (RMF)/Design for Safety position at Greensafe International Pte Ltd, where the role demands comprehensive skills in identifying design hazards, developing mitigation measures, and chairing risk mitigation meetings. These are precisely the competencies taught in the DfS WSQ Course.
Such positions proves the requirement for candidates to be registered as DfS Professionals under the Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore, emphasizing the need for thorough training in hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies. This certification not only validates a professional’s capability to handle high-responsibility roles but also aligns with the regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed the standard safety protocols.
Thus, completing the DfS WSQ Course opens up opportunities for significant roles in major projects, where professionals can lead safety initiatives and contribute to safer, more efficient construction outcomes
Regulatory Compliance
The Design for Safety (DfS) WSQ Course is pivotal for ensuring regulatory compliance across various construction phases, aligning with Singapore’s stringent Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) requirements. By fostering a thorough understanding of WSH regulations, the course equips professionals with the necessary skills to navigate and implement the required safety standards, thereby avoiding potential legal issues that could arise from non-compliance. This regulatory alignment is crucial not only for maintaining safety but also for ensuring that projects adhere to legal standards from inception to completion, thus safeguarding both workers and companies from the repercussions of safety oversights.
Networking Opportunities
The Design for Safety (DfS) WSQ Course offers significant networking opportunities by connecting participants with professional networks such as IES and SCAL Academy alumni groups. For instance, SCAL Academy gathered over 500 WSH professionals, business leaders, and industry partners, which “marked a pivotal moment as the SCAL EHS Campaign 2024 concluded on a high note. We were privileged to have Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, join us for the event. In his address, he highlighted the importance of cultivating a culture of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) excellence and using technology to enhance WSH outcomes…” These networks provide a platform for graduates to exchange insights, share best practices, and foster professional relationships that can lead to collaborative opportunities and career advancement.
Additionally, real-life testimonials from course participants often highlight significant career growth following their certification. For instance, teams in Singapore, like those from Greensafe International Pte Ltd, have received awards for their exemplary safety records, underscoring the professional recognition and opportunities afforded by strong network ties and a commitment to safety standards.
Success Stories
These are some of the Design for Safety professional’s success stories:
Applying risk analysis and prevention through design at a retail warehouse.
Three to five times a shift, warehouse technicians at a multinational outdoor retailer with over 10,000 workers climbed 12-foot step ladders to reach overhead conveyors. The ladders were utilised by technicians to do small mechanical adjustments, unclog blocked boxes or bags, and undertake preventative maintenance. Each of these exercises took 10 to 25 minutes to complete. The likelihood of fall accidents, which might cause severe injuries such concussions, shattered clavicles and/or arms, and even fatalities, increased with the frequency with which workers used the ladders. The president and owner of SafeTech Consultants Inc., Deb Roy, M.P.H., RN, COHN-S, CSP, FASSP, FAAOHN, conducted a risk analysis for an outdoor retailer in order to identify safer options for employees working at heights. The business decided they required a higher level of protection since the current level of risk was intolerable. To reach overhead conveyors, they created and put in place a railing system with stairs and a catwalk platform. By eliminating the frequent risk of using a ladder, the installation of engineering controls reduced the likelihood of worker falls. It made it easier and faster to access and solve jams, allowing equipment to run for longer periods of time. These enhancements decreased operating expenses and the risk profile for these tasks.
Before & After:
For the detailed explanation, watch this video – https://youtu.be/bo4hws7yidw?si=FHXE7CfCkxdbsJPt
Implementing ISO 45001 at an aluminium manufacturer.
A manufacturer of aluminium intended to enhance its system for managing health and safety. They received guidance from Amy Timmerman, CSP, CHES, an instructional assistant professor at Illinois State University, on how to apply the ISO 45001 safety and health management system standard. Therefore, implementing 45001 resulted in a 50% decrease in injuries for the manufacturer. By addressing high-risk hazards, the implemented controls also lessened the severity of injuries. Updates to software systems made it possible to analyse data, identify patterns, and take a more proactive approach to safety management.
For the detailed explanation, watch this video – https://youtu.be/0k7DfYQQfNo?si=AjejvFgiGYn-Z2QF
Designing for safety at welding stations in an exhaust pipe manufacturing company.
A manufacturer of exhaust pipes wanted to enhance the layout of its welding stations. The current design caused ergonomic issues, exposed welders to hexavalent chromium, and cost the firm financially. Exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause lung cancer, nasal septum ulcers, bronchitis, and asthma, among other illnesses.The chair of the University of Central Missouri’s occupational risk and safety sciences department, Georgi Popov, Ph.D., CSP, SMS, QEP, ARM, CMC, FASSP, FAIHA, helped create a better welding station design that would lower worker exposure to dangerous chemicals, enhance ergonomics, and boost profitability. As a result, the exhaust pipes were handled and welded by using robotic equipment. By removing the workers from the welding process, the possibility of exposure to hexavalent chromium and carrying heavy exhaust pipes was reduced. In order to replace filters quickly and effectively without having to halt the entire process, the manufacturer also relocated ventilation to the floor level. The implementation of an automated system has shown that lowering risk can increase operational effectiveness and that the company can benefit financially from employing preventive design strategies.
Before & After:
For detailed explanation, watch this video – https://youtu.be/PYiNnW0EeEY?si=0KGfMcFaQJia0mVy
For more detailed success stories, visit https://mosaicsafety.com.sg/your-one-stop-comprehensive-guide-for-design-for-safety-dfs-in-singapore-and-risk-management-facilitator-rmf/
Prerequisites and Eligibility
SCAL Academy’s “DfS | WSQ Perform Design for Safety Professional Duties” course specifies that learners must either be a registered professional engineer or architect with a valid practicing certificate or have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience in design and construction supervision. In the latter case, applicants should possess a degree that is accepted by the Professional Engineers Board (PEB), the Board of Architects (BOA), or a construction‐related degree recognized by bodies such as the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) or the Society of Project Managers (SPM). The course also allows for flexibility on a case-by-case basis for seasoned professionals without formal qualifications.
Singapore Polytechnic’s “Introduction to WSH (Design for Safety) Regulation” course lists minimum requirements including a specialist diploma (or higher) in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) for professionals, or a relevant diploma for Building and Facility Management Professionals, coupled with at least two years of industry experience.
Additionally, documentation from the Institute of Engineers Singapore (IES) for the “Perform Design for Safety Professional Duties” course reiterates the prerequisites to be either registration as a professional engineer or architect or having industry background with a supportive degree in the field.
Across DFS professional WSQ courses in Singapore, participants are generally expected to have a solid foundation through a relevant diploma or degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field, coupled with industry experience. Many courses require candidates to be registered professionals or hold recognized qualifications in Workplace Safety and Health, often specifying a minimum number of years in design, construction, or safety management. However, some providers such as SCAL that demonstrates flexibility by considering seasoned professionals on a case-by-case basis, allowing those with substantial practical experience to enrol even if they lack formal academic credentials.
Choosing the Right Training Provider
Singapore Polytechnic is a well‐established provider of DFS WSQ courses with a strong academic reputation. Its courses, such as the “Introduction to WSH (Design for Safety) Regulation,” are delivered in a structured, classroom-based format that emphasizes both theory and real-life case studies. The curriculum is aligned with the Ministry of Manpower’s guidelines and offers CPD credits, ensuring that learners receive training that is both industry‐relevant and compliant with national standards. This provider is known for its intense training standards and support services, making it a trusted choice for engineering and construction professionals.
The fees are:
SCAL Academy offers a wide variety of WSQ safety courses, including its flagship “Perform Design for Safety Professionals Duties” course. SCAL’s approach is highly practical and experiential, leveraging trainers with deep industry experience to deliver content that addresses real-world challenges in construction safety. Participants would need to complete projects, written tests with 80% as a passing grade, and interviews. The academy is flexible in its delivery methods, offering both face-to-face and online training sessions. They are accredited by WSQ and recognized by industry bodies, reinforcing its standing as a top provider.
The fees are:
Reviews from SCAL Academy:
CCIS Singapore and IES Academy serve as other leading providers in the DFS training landscape. CCIS Singapore specializes in practical, audit-focused workshops such as the ConSASS Audit Practical Learning Workshop, which equips professionals with essential internal auditing skills required for workplace safety compliance. Their training is designed to meet CPD requirements and is well regarded for its hands-on, compliance-driven approach.
On the other hand, IES Academy is affiliated with the Institution of Engineers Singapore, which caters specifically to the engineering community with courses that blend advanced theoretical foundations with practical applications in design for safety. IES Academy’s programs are available through both virtual and in-person formats, and they have established a reputation for producing highly competent professionals in the construction safety arena.
Together, these providers offer a diverse range of DFS WSQ courses that can meet different professional needs. While Singapore Polytechnic and IES Academy emphasize intense academic and technical foundations, SCAL Academy and CCIS Singapore focus on practical, industry-specific skills with an eye for real-world application. When choosing the right training provider, prospective learners should consider factors such as WSQ accreditation, trainer expertise, course delivery methods, and positive feedback from past participants, all of which are well demonstrated across these top institutions.
Course Details and Structures
Generally, the course module includes
- Introduction to DfS Principles: Overview of the fundamental concepts and importance of integrating safety into design.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation Techniques: Methods for identifying hazards and applying effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Managing DfS Registers: Guidelines for establishing, maintaining, and reviewing safety and health records in accordance with WSH (DfS) regulations.
- Facilitating DfS Review Meetings: Preparation for and coordination of review meetings to discuss and address safety risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Stakeholder Communication: Strategies to determine, document, and communicate critical safety and health information to all relevant parties.
- Case Studies of DfS Best Practices: An analysis of real-life examples and best practices to understand successful safety integration in construction projects.
- Integration of BIM for Safety: Discussion on leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems to enhance safety outcomes, including establishing a measurable safety index.
The training has interactive methods, including classroom lectures, group discussions, and scenario-based simulations (such as SafeSim Design)—delivered over an intensive 2- to 3-day period.
Financial Considerations
Singapore’s DFS WSQ courses are designed to be accessible through a range of financial support options that help reduce the burden of training costs, which typically range from S$500 to S$1500.
- SkillsFuture Credits:
SkillsFuture is a national initiative that provides Singaporeans with a credit amount to offset the cost of approved courses. For instance, eligible individuals can use their SkillsFuture Credit to pay for part or even the entire fee of a DFS course, making high-quality training more affordable. The credits are intended to encourage lifelong learning and continuous skills upgrading. Specific courses in the DFS category that are accredited by WSQ usually qualify for SkillsFuture funding, and the credits can often reduce the out-of-pocket expense significantly. For example, in the Singapore Polytechnic course, there’s funding provided from SkillsFuture:
- Workfare Skills Support (WSS):
The Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme is targeted at older workers and those with lower incomes, aiming to help them upgrade their skills to stay competitive in the workforce. Under this program, participants in DFS WSQ courses can receive subsidies that lower the net fee. This support is particularly useful for mid-career professionals who might otherwise find it challenging to finance additional training.
- Employer Sponsorships
Many employers in the construction, engineering, and safety industries recognize the importance of DFS training for maintaining high safety standards and regulatory compliance. Companies often provide sponsorships or reimburse the cost of training for their employees. This not only reduces the financial burden on the individual but also ensures that the workforce remains highly skilled and up-to-date with industry best practices.
As Singapore continues to prioritize workplace safety, particularly in fields like engineering, construction, and oil and gas, the DfS WSQ Course stands as a pivotal component of the nation’s safety strategy. This course serves not just as a training platform but also as a catalyst for regulatory compliance and professional development. By enhancing the safety competencies of professionals through structured and up-to-date training, Singapore can continue to mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety outcomes of its industries.
Empower your career and enhance workplace safety by enrolling in the Design for Safety WSQ Course and take a proactive step towards mastering critical safety standards and making a significant impact in your industry!
References
CCIS. (2024, January 15). CONSASS Audit Practical Learning Workshop – CCIS Singapore Pte Ltd. CCIS Singapore Pte Ltd. https://www.ccis.com.sg/training/others/consass-audit-practical-learning-workshop/
Clark, P. I. (2024a, February 1). Safety in Construction and Design (Part 1) – Ancient origins. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-construction-design-part-1-ancient-origins-dr-paul-i-clark-bqruc/
Clark, P. I. (2024b, February 16). Safety in Construction and Design (Part 2) – Why Designers fail safety (and cost lives). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-construction-design-part-2-why-designers-fail-clark-3nf1c/?trackingId=%2FSE3TVdnRQKGVhISOdSgdg%3D%3D
Clark, P. I. (2024c, February 23). Safety in Construction and Design (Part 3) – Tools and tips for Clients, Designers and Constructors (to save lives). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-construction-design-part-3-tools-tips-clients-clark-x9jac/?trackingId=CTK13DXYS%2BSLwQT2kRitiw%3D%3D
Clark, P. I. (2024d, March 6). Safety in Construction and Design (Part 4) – Case study showing why Design for Safety makes better buildings (and saves lives). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-construction-design-part-4-case-study-showing-clark-yo9ac/?trackingId=V82NCqscQ9u9PuAHc9aHBw%3D%3D
DPR Construction. (2023, September 6). Recent awards prove safety record in Singapore. https://www.dpr.com/media/blog/recent-awards-prove-safety-record-in-singapore
Goh, Y. M., & Chua, S. (2015). Knowledge, attitude and practices for design for safety: A study on civil & structural engineers. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 93, 260–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2015.09.023
Ministry of Manpower Singapore. (2015, July 10). Gazette of WSH (Design for Safety) Regulations 2015. Ministry of Manpower Singapore. https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/announcements/2015/gazette-of-wsh-design-for-safety-regulations-2015
My Skills Future. (2024). Safety and Health Courses. https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/portal-search/portal-search.html?fq=Course_Supp_Period_To_1%3A%5B2025-02-03T00%3A00%3A00Z%20TO%20*%5D&fq=IsValid%3Atrue&q=safety%2Band%2Bhealth
SCAL. (2020). WSQ perform design for safety professionals duties. SCAL Academy. https://scal-academy.com.sg/courses/course_detail/Perform-Design-for-Safety-Professionals-Duties/7903
SCAL Academy. (2024, July 3). Gathering over 500 WSH (Workplace Safety and Health) professionals, business leaders and industry partners , today marked a pivotal moment as the SCAL EHS Campaign 2024 concluded on a high note. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/scalacademysg
Singapore Polytechnic. (2025). Introduction to Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) (Design for Safety) regulation. https://www.sp.edu.sg/pace/courses/all-courses/course-details/introduction-to-wsh-%28design-for-safety%29-regulation
Toh, Y. Z., Goh, Y. M., & Guo, B. H. W. (2016). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of design for safety: Multiple stakeholders in the Singapore construction industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(5). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001279
Workforce Singapore. (2024). WSS Scheme for individuals. https://www.wsg.gov.sg/home/individuals/attachment-placement-programmes/workfare-skills-support-scheme
WSH Council. (2024). Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines. In WSH. https://www.tal.sg/wshc/-/media/tal/wshc/resources/publications/wsh-guidelines/files/wsh-guidelines-procurement-in-the-construction-industry.ashx
