El Niño and The South African Construction Industry: Managing OHS Risks in Hotter, Drier Conditions

Understanding the risks

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that can influence weather patterns across Southern Africa, potentially resulting in hotter than normal conditions, reduced rainfall and drought in parts of South Africa. While its effects vary across regions and seasons, the potential impact on the civil and construction industry should not be overlooked.

For construction employers, clients and contractors, changing weather conditions present important Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) challenges. Proactive planning and effective risk management are essential to protect workers, prevent incidents and maintain safe construction operations.

Key OHS risks on construction sites

1. Heat stress and dehydration

Workers involved in road construction, earthworks, concrete placement and other physically demanding outdoor activities may be exposed to excessive heat. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke can develop, while fatigue and reduced concentration may increase the likelihood of workplace incidents.

Employers should assess heat exposure, provide adequate drinking water and shaded rest areas, consider work rest arrangements and schedule strenuous activities during cooler periods where practicable. Workers must also be trained to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illness and respond promptly.

2. Increased dust exposure

Dry conditions can increase airborne dust from excavation, demolition, earthworks and vehicle movement. Depending on the material, this may include hazardous respirable crystalline silica, which can cause serious occupational lung disease.

Effective dust suppression, suitable housekeeping, exposure assessments and appropriate respiratory protection should be implemented where necessary.

3. Excavation and ground stability

Although prolonged dry weather may appear to reduce excavation risks, ground conditions can change unexpectedly following localised rainfall, water leaks or changes in groundwater conditions.

Excavations must be assessed by competent persons, with suitable shoring, battering or other protective measures implemented where required. Plant and vehicles must be kept at safe distances from excavation edges and workers must not enter unsafe excavations.

4. Fire risks and emergency preparedness

Hot, dry and windy conditions can increase the risk of fires spreading across vegetation and construction areas. Activities involving welding, grinding and other ignition sources require particular attention.

Contractors should review hot-work controls, fire prevention arrangements, firefighting equipment, emergency access, evacuation procedures and communication systems.

5. Lifting operations and temporary works

High temperatures, wind, dusty conditions and changes in ground stability may affect lifting operations, equipment performance and worker alertness. Crane operations, scaffolding, temporary works and works at height must be managed in accordance with approved procedures, equipment limitations and prevailing site conditions.

Operations should be suspended whenever conditions exceed established safe operating limits.

Legal responsibilities and risk management

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, particularly Sections 8 and 9, establishes important duties concerning the protection of employees and other persons affected by work activities. The Construction Regulations, 2014, also require relevant construction hazards to be addressed through risk assessments, planning, supervision and appropriate control measures.

Where applicable, the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024, must also be considered when assessing and managing occupational heat exposure. Employers should verify the applicable commencement provisions and current legal requirements.

The Client, Principal Contractor, contractors and appointed Construction Health and Safety Agent should address foreseeable weather-related hazards within their respective responsibilities. This includes reviewing baseline and site-specific risk assessments, health and safety specifications, safe work procedures and emergency arrangements.

Practical steps for construction employers

To strengthen OHS preparedness, construction employers should:

• Review risk assessments for heat exposure, dust, fire and weather-related hazards.
• Provide adequate drinking water, suitable shaded recovery areas and appropriate rest arrangements.
• Monitor weather forecasts and daily site conditions.
• Train workers and supervisors to recognise heat stress and other weather-related hazards.
• Inspect excavations, lifting areas, scaffolding and temporary works as conditions change.
• Review emergency procedures and ensure firefighting equipment is suitable and accessible.
• Record inspections, incidents, corrective actions and relevant toolbox talks.

Conclusion: Prevention starts with preparation

El Niño serves as an important reminder that environmental conditions can significantly influence construction safety. By anticipating potential hazards and implementing appropriate controls, the industry can reduce occupational illness, prevent incidents and protect workers.

Safe construction requires more than responding to incidents. It requires identifying foreseeable risks, planning ahead and ensuring that effective controls remain in place as conditions change.

Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety