KwaZulu-Natal construction industry leads the way in safety standards

Durban, South Africa – 6 November, 2009 - For the past 10 years the safety standards of companies in the KwaZulu-Natal construction industry have surpassed those of South Africa’s other provinces, but in the past two years they have dominated.

Last year KZN construction companies won eight out of the 10 categories that make up the Annual Construction Industry’s Health and Safety Competition held by Master Builders South Africa (MBSA).

“We did not think we could exceed that record,” said Neels Nortje Health and Safety manager at Master Builders Association KZN, “But to our astonishment and delight we won nine out of the 10 categories this year.”

Scoring was high with the winners exceeding 92%. The finalists were very close at just under 90% making the judges’ decision-making process a difficult task.
It must be noted that in the scoring criteria an essential element is that the judges have to take cognisance of the Disabling Injury Frequency (DIF) rate. Companies with the safest sites have the lowest DIF rates.

While Nortje is quick to point out that there is still a long way to go in improving health and safety standards in an industry that by its very nature is fraught with hazards, KwaZulu-Natal construction companies can be proud of their safety records and is an indication of how far the industry has progressed.

“What is so important especially in health and safety is a buy-in policy from top management. This is being achieved and several companies put safety matters high up in the agendas of the minutes of their meetings.”

Nortje said health and safety is not just about loss to life or limb, but the ramifications can be very far reaching. Topping the list is lost productivity in the event of an incident leading to a loss of income and, depending on the nature of an incident the Department of Labour has the authority to close a site down”

According to statistics from Federated Employers Mutual, the leading occupational injury insurer for the construction industry, the Accident Claims Frequency nationally stands at 4.54% while for KZN this figure is 3.34% and is the lowest in the country.

Thelma Pugh, MD of Federated Employers Mutual said this means less people are hurt in KZN’s construction industry than anywhere else in South Africa.

“In terms of rands and cents the average cost per claim in South Africa is R13 500. However the hidden costs such as affected productivity, loss of income, site investigations and shut downs can extrapolate that cost by as much as six times,” she says.

Nortje says that while KZN excelled in the national awards another battle may have been won but the war is still raging. “Sadly many building contractors are still not fully committed to health and safety programmes.”

He is however proud of the successes made by the local construction industry and believes his department has played a role and is achieving its objectives.

“I think that health and safety competitions instil a positive culture and should be seen as important tools which lead to a decrease in accidents and an increase in productivity.

“We employ very competent and qualified personnel who hold national diplomas and are registered safety professionals. We are passionate about safety and have introduced a number of initiatives to help our members and the industry at large.”

These initiatives include bi-monthly forums which are open to members and non-members. They have become so popular that they are attracting upwards of 100 people per forum who are addressed by specialists in health and safety related topics.

An on-line forum has also generated much interest and a huge knowledge base that visitors can access at no cost has been created at significant cost to the MBA. The Forum URL is http://safety.masterbuilders.co.za

Commenting on the importance of health and safety in the workplace, Rob Bremner, MD at Grinaker LTA Building East - recipient of several of the awards - said safety programmes were high on the agenda and in addition to onsite precautions staff undergo medicals at regular times where underlying problems such as blood pressure are picked up early.

“We have a slogan - Home Without Harm Everyone Every Day – which is well known to everyone throughout the group and is uppermost in their minds.”

He believes it’s important for all contractors to be part of a bigger organisation such as the MBA which sets standards, policies and quality assurance. “The MBA has been recognised as the leading association in SA and has some very passionate people at the helm.”

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is an Employer Body representing members in the Building and Construction Industry.  Visit www.masterbuilders.co.za for more information and www.findabuilder.co.za to find a member in your area.

Press Release: 6 November 2009