General workers form the backbone of construction and civil engineering projects, contributing to nearly every aspect of site operations. Despite their critical role, they remain the most vulnerable group when it comes to occupational health and safety (OHS) incidents and fatalities.
Data from 2014 to 2025 provided by FEM consistently shows that general workers account for the highest number of fatalities across the industry. The leading causes include motor vehicle accidents, struck-by incidents and falls from heights. The data presented by FEM, reflects a significant portion of these incidents occurs on public roads, highlighting the importance of trip planning and road safety beyond the construction site itself.
This vulnerability is not coincidental; several structural factors drive it. General workers are often exposed to high-risk environments while receiving only basic induction training with limited focus on task-specific hazards. They frequently operate at the frontline of risk including working at heights, interacting with moving plant and vehicles and handling materials in dynamic site conditions. In many cases inadequate supervision and communication barriers further increase their exposure to danger. Socio-economic pressures may also discourage workers from refusing unsafe work, especially where job security is uncertain.
High-risk activities commonly associated with fatalities include vehicle-pedestrian interactions, falls from roofs, scaffolding and ladders, struck-by incidents involving plant or materials and exposure to hazardous substances. These trends clearly indicate where focused risk controls are required. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and the Construction Regulations (2014) place a clear duty on employers and clients to provide a safe working environment. This includes proper hazard identification, implementation of control measures, adequate training and effective supervision. Protecting general workers is not only a compliance requirement but a fundamental duty of care.
To address these challenges, the industry must implement targeted and practical interventions. These measures include providing task-specific training, strengthening competent supervision, improving traffic and pedestrian management, enhancing communication through visual and multi-language methods and ensuring effective fall protection systems. In addition, better road safety and trip planning management practices are essential, given the high number of off-site incidents. Equally important is empowering workers to report unsafe conditions and to refuse dangerous tasks without fear of reprisal.
Ultimately, improving safety outcomes for general workers requires a shift from reactive compliance to a proactive and inclusive safety culture. Leadership must actively demonstrate commitment, engage with workers on the ground and ensure accountability at all levels of the organisation.
Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety
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General workers form the backbone of construction and civil engineering projects, contributing to nearly every aspect of site operations. Despite their critical role, they remain the most vulnerable group when it comes to occupational health and safety (OHS) incidents and fatalities.