Many companies are looking to protect workers in the design phase of a building construction through Building Information Modeling, or BIM, a 3D model-based process that allows architects and engineers to plan and manage buildings and infrastructure, experts say.

The process “is absolutely helping reduce the risk contractors have constructing the building,” said Mike Fredebeil, Atlanta-based senior vice president, leader for North America construction safety and risk control for Willis Towers Watson P.L.C.

Contractors are reporting positive benefits of BIM technology, with 69% of users in 2017 reporting that it has a positive impact on safety compared with 42% in 2012, likely due to greater experience with BIM and the development of better tools such as photogrammetry that can be employed within the model to impact safety, according to a study by CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training in Silver Spring, Maryland, and New York-based Dodge Data & Analytics released in 2017.

Respondents who used BIM said it has the ability to identify potential site hazards before construction begins.

“BIM users also report increased levels of nearly all benefits reported from safety investments, including reduced reportable injury rates, improved project quality, improved schedule, increased ability to contract new work, and increased ability to attract and retain staff,” the report said.

BIM “is a great tool for eliminating equipment clashes in construction,” said Michael Mills, technical director for construction and energy for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in Louisville, Kentucky.

“If you’re installing an HVAC unit, you don’t want a pipe running through the ductwork,” Mr. Mills said. “Some of the more proactive contractors are also using BIM to improve safety on a project. For example, it can be used to identify appropriate anchorage points for fall protection and risks that a contractor may not have anticipated during their preplanning process. BIM can have a big impact on safety as well as the quality of construction.”