Construction remains one of the high-risk sectors in South Africa – Deputy Minister, Jomo Sibiya
At least one point five (1.5) to two fatalities occur on a weekly basis in the South African construction sector and the statistics also confirm that the construction industry features amongst the top four high-risk sectors in the country.
This was said by the Department of Employment and Labour Deputy Minister, Mr. Jomo Sibiya, in the keynote address, which he delivered during the Department's Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) conference in Kempton Park earlier today (14 October 2024).
The conference, which is targeting the construction industry, is hosted under the theme: 'Enhancing Construction Health and Safety' and aims to advocate adequate compliance in the construction sector.
The theme is derived from the main objective of the 2014 Construction Regulation, which is to ensure that all stakeholders in the construction industry are responsible for construction health and safety.
According to the Statistics South Africa, in the third quarter of 2023, approximately 347,000 South Africans residing in the Gauteng Province were working in the construction industry, marking a year-on-year change of 14,000 people employed therein. The regions of the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal also revealed high numbers of people employed within the industry, at 253,000 and 241,000, respectively. Daily, there are approximately 7 500 construction sites operating nationally, and this figure excludes an estimate of about 5 000 informal construction sites.
Approximately 12 500 construction sites are in operation on daily basis in South Africa.
Deputy Minister Sibiya said it would be reckless to burden the inspectors and safety professionals as the sole persons entrusted with the health and safety in the construction sector.
“Clearly, to emerge victorious against the scourge of health and safety, everyone must play their role. We can't throw our hands in the air, nor can we bury our heads in the sand, we have to roll our sleeves and fight relentlessly against the demon of noncompliance in the construction sector.
“At least 1.5 to 2 fatalities occur on a weekly basis in Construction Sector. Our statistics also confirm that the construction industry features amongst the top 4 high-risk sectors in the country," said the Deputy Minister.
Mr. Sibiya said the compensation competencies have paid out no less that R500 million in compensation of injuries and diseases in the construction industry alone in the previous financial year, which turns to contribute to an adverse effect on the economic growth of the country.
In addition, Mr. Sibiya said the funds that are utilised for compensation of injuries and diseases could be directed towards poverty reduction, and “our understanding is that more than 70 per cent of incidents dealt with could have been prevented".
“The ramifications of even one loss of life in workplaces have far reaching ramifications, affecting even future generations. Just spare a thought to a young person who may grow up without a parent due to occupational fatalities. Their lives will never be the same.
“The importance health and safety of workers, in particular at the ground level, cannot be overemphasised," he said.
The 2014 construction regulations makes it mandatory for clients to prioritise health and safety matters at the design and tender stages of a project and through the lifespan thereof.
“Prioritising health and safety must never be an afterthought. It is a travesty of justice to relegate that responsibility to lower levels. If a client does not have the necessary competence to carry out their obligations, they need to enlist the services of a competent person in the form of a Construction Health and Safety Agent," said Deputy Minister, Sibiya.
For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
