HEALTH AND SAFETY   

Globally, the construction industry has a poor health and safety record and South Africa is no exception. Construction health and safety has long been the focus of attention of many industry stakeholders and role players in South Africa, and while it is acknowledged that many industry associations and professional societies, contracting organizations and others have made significant efforts to improve health and safety within the construction industry, overall construction health and safety is not improving significantly.

Notably, construction continues to contribute a disproportionate number of fatalities and injuries and there continues to be a high level of non-compliance with the Health and Safety Regulations in South Africa. Improving health and safety in the construction industry therefore continues to remain a priority for all stakeholders.

Global H&S performance of construction sector:

• 60 000 fatal accidents - one every ten minutes;
• One in every six work-related fatal accidents occurs on a construction site;
• In industrialized countries, more than 25% to 40% of work-related deaths occur on construction sites despite the sector only employing between 6% to 10% of total employment;
• About 30% of construction workers suffer from back pains or other musculoskeletal disorders; and
• There is a 50% higher incidence rate for non-fatal accidents among workers aged 15 to 24 years.

Health and Safety compliance in Construction has never been more important. The need for Members to comply with the increasing volume of legislation is facilitated by the excellent safety management services provided by our Association. It's the Association's mission to promote a positive culture shift which will facilitate continual improvement thereby contributing to the elimination of Occupational Injury, Disease, Loss and the prevention of damage to the Environment.