The City of Copenhagen sets new standards in construction projects with Vision Zero

Environmental Administration in the City of Copenhagen has implemented a systematic approach health and safety in its role as a client. Here, Vision Zero has become a vital source of inspiration for the strategic framework that aims to raise ambitions and create lasting improvements across the administration’s many building and construction projects.

– We have long held the ambition to positively influence the working environment – in close cooperation with our advisors and contractors. Vision Zero fits directly with the need for a common language and a systematic approach that ties together many different initiatives, explains Anne Anttila, Working Environment Consultant in the Technical and Environmental Administration.

A new approach to client responsibility

When the City of Copenhagen launches major projects such as the renovation of Langebro or climate adaptation of Rantzausgade, the focus is not only on the city’s infrastructure. Occupational health and safety for the many people on the construction site is just as important.

Here, the City has chosen to be inspired by Vision Zero – an international occupational health and safety strategy based on the theory that all work-related accidents can be prevented. This has not happened overnight, but is the result of focused and strategic efforts.

 – When I started in 2021, there was only one working environment consultant in the administration. Now there are two of us, which has enabled a more systematic and strategic approach. I have followed Vision Zero for many years from my previous experience in the private sector, so it was a natural step to bring this mindset into the City, says Anne Anttila.

Vision Zero truly took centre stage in 2024, when Anne and her colleague, OSH Consultant Martin Nielskov, attended the Vision Zero conference and initiated a partnership with Human House. Here, Working Environment Consultant Vibeke Rasmussen has played a central role in facilitating workshops and advising the administration on how Vision Zero can be translated into concrete action.

– Martin and I needed a research-based foundation and practical tools to anchor our strategy work. Vision Zero offers just that – and the collaboration with Vibeke has been a tremendous help in making it relevant to our day-to-day work as a client, says Anne Anttila.

From reactive to proactive objectives

A key focus in the City’s work is to move away from measuring only on reactive indicators such as the number of workplace accidents – and instead work with proactive objectives that prevent accidents before they occur.

– In the past, we have, for example, focused on ‘100 days without accidents’, but that does not say anything about whether we have taken active steps to prevent them. Now, we work instead with objectives such as orderly access routes or systematic risk assessment in the design phase. This is much more meaningful, says Anne Anttila.

At the same time, the administration is working to sharpen and systematise the requirements for contractors – both in contracts and in daily dialogue. Contractors are encouraged to report all workplace accidents – including minor incidents – in order to create a stronger data foundation and greater transparency.

 – We are actually seeing an increase in the number of reported workplace accidents – and that is not necessarily a bad thing. It means that the hidden incidents are coming to light, enabling us to work in a more targeted way with prevention, explains Anne Anttila.

The 7 Golden Rules as guiding principles

With up to 70 building and construction projects each year – from minor renovations to major bridge constructions – it is vital for the administration to ensure knowledge sharing across projects.

We work closely with our external safety and health coordinators to ensure that knowledge about workplace accidents and near-misses is shared across projects. The aim is to avoid the same type of accident happening in two different places in the city, says Anne Anttila.

Vision Zero is built on 7 Golden Rules, ranging from leadership commitment and risk assessment to involvement and learning. The rule on involvement and motivation is especially important in the administration’s efforts, where both internal staff and key people from contractors – such as construction managers and foremen – are actively engaged.

The foremen play a crucial role in shaping the safety culture on site. If they lead by example and demonstrate that the working environment and health and safety are top priorities, that attitude spreads and earns support from others. That is why it is our ambition to start discussing the importance of contractor management and foremen supporting our health and safety objectives right at contract commencement, says Anne Anttila.

Client visibility makes a difference

Another essential focus area is the client’s own role and visibility. Anne and Martin are working to make project managers and construction managers more confident in their roles – for example, by participating in safety meetings and site inspections.

– As a client, we have to be clear and consistent. If we set requirements, we must also follow up on them. It is about creating a culture where speaking up when something is unsafe is natural – and where everyone knows that we as the client fully support them, says Anne Anttila.

A strategic boost – and inspiration for others

The City of Copenhagen’s work with Vision Zero is still developing, but the results are already beginning to show: better data, greater awareness, and a more systematic approach to the working environment.

– We now have a framework that helps us to consider the working environment throughout the process, from planning to execution. And we hope to inspire other clients to go down the same path, says Anne Anttila.

–  We are a large organisation with many players – both internal and external. So it is about creating ownership and engagement at every level – from management all the way to the construction site. We are well underway, and we truly believe this will make a difference, she concludes.