All industries have specific regulations underlying them. The same goes for the construction industry, where regulations have specific requirements for construction work. The main objective of construction regulations is to seek and improve the level of safety in the construction industry and is consistent with the National Standard for Construction Work. The requirements of construction regulations apply to all construction work performed in South African workplaces, not just those works associated with the traditional construction sites. Thus all construction companies have an obligation to comply with the requirements of the construction regulations.

Book a consultation with one of our consultants if you need help with Construction Safety Regulations.

The main Requirements under the Construction Regulations:

• The Principal Contractor (the owner or appointed person to control or manage the workplace such as a contracted company) is required to:

• Display a sign with contact details;
• Prepare a health and safety co-ordination plan and keep it up to date; and
• Make the co-ordination plan available for inspection, and make new workers aware of the plan.

• The contractor (employer) should complete the following. It is related to high-risk construction work.

• Conduct a detailed Risk Assessment of all construction work and the construction site;
• Prepare Safe Work Procedures (SWP);
• Ensure that the construction work is done in accordance with the SWP; and
• Keep a copy of the SWP.

• The contractor (employer) should make sure that all workers employed to do construction work underwent OSH training regarding the specific workplace where the construction work will be done before work on the site commences.

• All workers employed in the construction industry should have completed the construction induction training before they start work.

What does Construction Work entail?

Simply put, construction work entails any work performed in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning or demolition or any building or structure, or any similar activity.

Examples of construction work include the following:

• The installation of plumbing fitting, such as tap-ware;
  
• The installation of an air-conditioning system;
  
• Major and non-routine works on lifts; and
  
• The removal of an internal office wall.

What is High Risk Construction Work?

High risk construction work comprises of specific types of work. These include work where there is a risk of a construction worker falling more than two meters, as well as construction work where any movement of a powered mobile plant takes place or where confined spaces are present.