Reimagining facility management: A critical shift towards proactive OM&R safety

Abstract

Safety during Operations, Maintenance, and Repair (OM&R) activities in buildings is a critical concern, often resulting in preventable incidents. This research addresses the gap in proactive safety measures by advocating for increased involvement of building facility management professionals early in a building’s lifecycle. To qualitatively and quantitatively assess safety incidents, OSHA investigation summaries from 2014 to 2023 were analyzed, focusing on key building elements and equipment including skylights, solar panels, and HVAC in the United States. The analysis examined worker activities, work settings, injury types and severity, building phase, and the nature of the work performed. The primary goal is to develop recommendations that emphasize facility managers’ role in the design phase, ensuring that safety considerations for OM&R personnel are integrated from the outset. By redistributing risk and responsibility, this study aims to foster safer working environments and prevent future safety incidents, promoting a proactive approach to building safety.