From Theory to Practice:
Implementing Safety Science in Construction

About this course

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, despite significant advances in safety management, regulations, and research. While many organisations have well-developed safety systems, a persistent challenge is ensuring that safety strategies and plans are effectively translated into everyday practice on construction sites.

This course explores how safety science can support safer construction work in real-world settings. Participants will examine how concepts such as risk assessment, safety leadership, safety culture, and human behaviour can be applied practically and help workers and managers identify hazards, communicate effectively, and make safe decisions under changing site conditions.

The course combines research-based knowledge with practical experience from the construction sector. Through lectures, discussions, case examples, and a visit to the Construction Safety Park (Säkerhetsparken), participants will explore how safety can be strengthened throughout the construction process and how organisations can create conditions for safe and healthy work despite organisational complexity and other challenges.

Main topics

This course will address:

• Translating safety science into practical construction safety management
• Occupational risk analysis and accident prevention
• Safety leadership and safety performance
• Safety coordinators and organisational responsibilities
• Toolbox meetings, safety rounds, and worker engagement
• Future challenges in construction safety

Course objectives

By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of key concepts and approaches within safety science as applied to the construction industry. They will be able to relate current research findings to practical site conditions and gain tools for translating safety knowledge into effective routines and interventions. Participants will also strengthen their ability to promote safe and healthy working environments within their own organisations and construction projects.

Target groups

Leaders and professionals in the construction industry with responsibility for or interest in occupational safety

Safety coordinators, site managers, project managers, and other practitioners working on or with construction sites

Representatives of contractors and subcontractors involved in safety management and risk prevention

Researchers, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and research assistants within construction, occupational safety, and related fields

Subject background

Construction work takes place in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. Multiple contractors often work side by side, projects operate under time and cost pressures, and workers may come from different professional and cultural backgrounds. These factors make effective safety management both essential and challenging.

Research has generated substantial knowledge about how organisations manage risk, how people make decisions under pressure, and how safe work systems can be designed. However, translating this knowledge into everyday practice remains a challenge across the construction sector.

This course focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, regulators, and industry representatives, the course creates opportunities to discuss how safety science can be used to support safer worksites, stronger safety cultures, and more effective prevention strategies.

General course fee and cancellation information

The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline.

Travel arrangements

Please refrain from booking any travel tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent at the latest after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day packages, as well as information on practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Our venues for organising courses have carefully considered accessibility to ensure they cater to the needs of all participants. For detailed information about the hotel’s accessibility features, please read more here.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received by 26th of August 2027: full refund
Cancellations received by 27th of August 2027 or later: no refund

NIVA will issue an invoice or send information on how to pay the course with credit card (depending on the option chosen in the registration form) after the registration deadline.

The price is subject to minor changes.

Contact persons

Course leader

Monica Kaltenbrunner
Analyst and PhD
Swedish Work Environment Authority
email: monica.kaltenbrunner@av.se

In practical matters, please contact:

Nora Tobiasson
Project Manager at NIVA
email: nora.tobiasson@niva.org