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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MAY
2017
8
MARKETPLACE
Global stats reveal that construction contributes a significantly
high number of injuries in the workplace. This is further borne out
by research findings that indicate a serious lack of management
support, especially among smaller operators and subcontractors and
an inadequate or a lack of H&S training.
One of the cornerstones of the existence of Master Builders
Association North, which has a more than century-old tradition
of fostering unity and improving standards within the building
and construction industry is continuous training on health and
safety compliance.
Interventions by Master Builders Association
Our very existence is premised on how we look after the people who,
under our supervision, enable us to build skyscrapers that kiss the
horizons of major South African cities. A fundamental right of every
worker is to be able to return home at the end of each working day;
alive and healthy in the same physical condition that they started
that working day. This is one of the key principles guiding the
Association and the 600 contracting members it represents.
In terms of our code of conduct, members are required to manage
their businesses in an equitable manner, ensuring that all work is of
the highest quality and carried out efficiently to satisfy the building
requirements of the client by complying with contractual obligations
with integrity and objectivity. Master Builders aims to ensure that the
building and construction industry plays a constructive role within
the country’s economic growth and development goals.
One of the conditions of membership to the Master Builders
Association is strict adherence to health and safety regulations. To
ensure compliance among members, the association stages the
annual Safety Competition to raise awareness of site safety across
its membership base and the industry at large. The other critically
important weapon in our arsenal to minimise work-related injuries
on construction sites and in transit is continuous education.
If as players in the building and construction environment we don’t
do enough to reduce the scourge of accidents, we run the risk of
allowing the cancerous tumour to eventually devour our livelihood. It
must, however, be conceded that sometimes incidents are products
of nature, but studies have shown that continuous training and
reskilling have a positive effect on reducing site-related accidents
and injuries.
Workshops to educate members
It was with this in mind that Master Builders Association North
hosted a half-day training workshop for members in Midrand
recently. One of the keynote speakers was well-known former
prosecutor Advocate Gerrie Nel, who led a discussion on the legal
principle known as dolus eventualis, which is Latin and refers to
whether a person foresees the possibility that their action will cause
death but carries on regardless. “As an employer, you need to take
steps to be responsible. If you see that something is amiss, it your
duty to act,” said Advocate Nel, who added that dolus eventualis
could be traced back to the 1953 case, State versus Mrs Horn.
“Willful blindness is when you walk away from a situation that
you know could result in an injury. You can’t ignore things that you
see,” said Advocate Nel.
What Advocate Nel and other industry experts urged Master
Builders Association North members to do is to always prepare for
any eventuality. If you are prepared, you are better geared to handle
any catastrophe that may come your way.
According to a research document commissioned by the
Construction Industry Development Board, global health and
safety performance of the construction sector show that more
than 60 000 fatal accidents occur annually. The same research
shows that there is one accident every 10 minutes, which has led to
the Master Builders Association doubling its efforts to accelerate
training on health and safety to preserve life and limb and reduce
the impact these unfortunate incidents on the national economy.
Close to 50% of injuries on construction sites are caused by
falling objects, followed by motor vehicle accidents. Falling is at a
significantly lower rate of 14% and the number of injuries recorded
as a result of workers being struck currently stands at 10%.
Master Builders, which has been supporting contractors in
South Africa for more than 100 years, promotes high standards and
quality of delivery in construction, through support to our members;
promote the viewpoints and interests of the industry by engaging
government and relevant regulatory bodies on national policies
that affect the industry; promote a positive occupational health and
safety culture in the industry, to reduce and eliminate occupational
injury, disease, loss and any damage to the environment; and create
a sustainable building industry in South Africa by engaging related
associations and relevant stakeholders on behalf of our members.
A team of specialists with industry specific experience mans the
MBA North Construction Health and Safety (CHS) department. We
have representation on Department of labour task teams, Industry
and Professional councils. The team are able to provide practical
value add support to address health and safety concerns which may
occur in the workplace, offering you a comprehensive service for all
your CHS needs.
Building and construction industry
PLAYERS
STRIVE
for
HEALTH AND SAFETY
By Mohau Mphomela, Master Builders Association North executive director.
The recent collapse of a section of the roof at
the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in
Johannesburg has thrust health and safety issues
within the construction industry into sharp focus.
Mohau Mphomela and former prosecutor, advocate Gerrie Nel.