Establishment of the Research Centre for Design for Safety

Establishment of the Research Centre for Design for Safety

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS). The opening ceremony, took place on 27 June 2024 (Thursday), attracted more than 100 participants, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, alumni, staff and students to celebrate the launch of this ground-breaking initiative.

The ceremony was kicked off by a welcome address by Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Head of CEE and Director of RCDfS, followed by an in-depth presentation by Ir Dr Vincent Ho, Professor of Practice of CEE and Associate Director of RCDfS, who outlined the objectives and future plans of the research centre. The keynote speech by Mr Rex Wong, Chairperson of the CIC Committee on Construction Safety, was a highlight of the event as he shared insights on embedding safety into the DNA of construction project design. Dr Nicole Yiu, Lecturer of CEE and Associate Director of RCDfS, also made an exciting announcement about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Design for Safety Award Competition, which aims to recognise excellence in the field. The event also honoured industry advisors, sponsors, and supporting organisations who have played a crucial role in the establishment of RCDfS.

The climax of the ceremony was a cloth-unveiling ceremony, marking the official opening of RCDfS. Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour to the centre, during which the latest technologies and innovative works being done in the field of design for safety were showcased.

The opening ceremony of the RCDfS was a momentous occasion that set the stage for a new chapter in promoting safety within the construction industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for contributing to the success of the centre’s opening, and we look forward to the continuous innovation and development at RCDfS in the years to come.

The mission of the Research Centre for Design for Safety is to advance the science and practice of safety by integrating cutting-edge research from engineering, environmental science, and systems design. The centre aims to:
• Develop innovative safety design methodologies that proactively mitigate risks in construction projects.
• Collaborate with industry partners to translate research findings into practical, actionable solutions.
• Educate and equip future generations of safety professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in an evolving industry landscape.

More details regarding RCDfS: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/~dfs/

https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/news-and-events/news/2024/20240703_news/