Member Login | News & Info | Private Projects | Contact Us
News & Info: Occupational Health & Safety

Motor Vehicle Accidents in the South African Construction Industry: A Persistent Safety Concern

Monday, 04 August 2025   (0 Comments)
Posted by: Ernest Roper


Introduction

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) remain one of the most significant yet preventable safety challenges in the South African construction industry. Despite advancements in workplace safety protocols, MVAs continue to account for a substantial portion of fatalities and injuries on construction sites. This article examines the root causes, current trends and actionable solutions to mitigate this ongoing risk.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the FEM (Federated Employers Mutual Assurance) reports:

  • 52% of construction fatalities in South Africa are linked to MVAs.
  • 877 MVA-related injuries were reported in 2024 alone.
  • 27 fatalities in 2024

These figures highlight a critical gap in safety management, particularly in vehicle and transport operations.

Key Risk Factors

Human Error

Studies have shown that human error, fatigue and distracted driving are leading causes of MVAs. A report from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) notes that in Q4 of 2023/24, 84.1% of fatal crashes were attributed to human factors. This staggering statistic is also reflected in construction transport incidents. Some of these human errors are:

  • Speeding, distracted driving and fatigue.
  • Lack of formal driver training for construction-specific conditions (e.g., uneven terrain, blind spots).

Vehicle/Equipment Failures

Many incidents stem from poorly maintained or unroadworthy vehicles. Routine inspections are often neglected, especially in smaller subcontractor operations.  Some of these vehicle/equipment failures are:

  • Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or hydraulic systems.
  • Delayed servicing due to cost-cutting measures.


Site-Specific Hazards

Construction sites with poor vehicle-pedestrian segregation, no speed control measures, or untrained spotters create environments where accidents are far more likely. Some of these hazards are:

  • Congested work zones with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
  • Inadequate signage or traffic management plans.

Regulatory Gaps

Despite legal requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and the Construction Regulations, compliance remains inconsistent. Some of these regulatory gaps are:

  • Subcontractors often bypass compliance (e.g., unlicensed drivers).
  • Limited enforcement of speed limits on private construction roads.

Actionable Solutions

  1. Develop and Implement Site-Specific Traffic Management Plans
    These should include designated pedestrian routes, vehicle operating zones and clearly marked hazard areas.
  2. Enforce Competent Operator Appointments
    Ensure all operators hold valid training and competency certificates and conduct refresher training regularly.
  3. Install Engineering Controls
    Use barriers, speed bumps, visual aids and proximity alarms where high traffic-pedestrian interaction occurs.
  4. Pre-Use Inspections and Maintenance
    Require documented daily checks of construction vehicles and machinery.
  5. Promote a Culture of Safety
    Include toolbox talks, visual reminders and regular walkabouts by supervisors to reinforce safe practices.
  6. Use of Technology
    Consider GPS tracking, reversing cameras, proximity sensors and telematics to monitor behaviour and prevent incidents.


Conclusion

Motor vehicle accidents in construction are not accidents in the true sense they are often the result of predictable and preventable failings. Through proactive planning, strict adherence to legislation and continuous education, construction companies can drastically reduce MVAs and protect their workforce.

Improving transport-related safety is not only a legal and ethical responsibility it is a fundamental part of building a sustainable and safe construction sector in South Africa.

Call to Action:

  • Contractors: Audit your transport operations today.
  • Workers: Speak up about unsafe vehicles or practices. 

By working together, we can turn the tide on this persistent threat.

References:

FEM Injury Statistics (2024)
Construction Regulations 2014
State of Road Safety Report by Road Traffic Corporation

Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety 
 

« Back to Index