The Association held an evacuation drill on 19 March 2019. On the day, there were three people with disabilities in our Training Academy. 

The course underway was 'Supervision of Health and Safety on a Construction Project' and the topics it covered included the following: 

The topic on evacuation drills had been covered a little earlier when the hooter signifying the evacuation of the building sounded. 

It was with great interest that one observed the response of those who were engaged in training in the supervision of health and safety. The class immediately responded, with all, including those in wheelchairs immediately implementing that which had been taught earlier. Teamwork kicked in and without delay all made their way to the assembly point.

What was evident was that our colleagues with disability displayed such a positive response to implementing that which had been taught without realising that it was a drill.

A lesson learned was that their disability did not become a constraint to their determination to comply with the evacuation. They are part of the fibre of our society and do not look for sympathy, but for the opportunity to engage with able bodied colleagues.

Notwithstanding the fact that construction sites are potentially hazardous, it does not preclude persons with disability from managing construction businesses. Accidents are a failure to manage risks and with the requisite education and training is in place, those with disability, together with their able-bodied counterparts can effectively manage safe construction projects.

Victor Smith | Training Manager