The South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) appeals to Government, unions, members of the media and industry players, to develop a fair, objective approach when evaluating and analysing safety statistics in the construction industry. SAFCEC and its member organisations wish to express its dedicated support to an uncompromised commitment to safety excellence in the construction sector and a zero tolerance approach to any injuries on site. SAFCEC would like to express its concern with recent media exposure and public debates providing a one-sided, unfair portrayal of the industry’s safety performance and achievements.

“Although we acknowledge the critical need for a continuous and persistent improvement in the industry’s overall safety record – staying true to our commitment of Zero Harm – SAFCEC would like to emphasise the good work and improvements that have been achieved by the industry to date,” comments James Flint, national SHERQ advisor for SAFCEC.

When analysing construction related accidents and incidents one should bear in mind that the term “construction” encompassesboth the building construction sector and the civil engineering construction sector.  To this end, SAFCEC is proud of theemphasisplaced oncontinuous improvement made within the civil engineering sector to ensure Health and Safety is paramount in its operations. SAFCEC continuously assists and guides its members in complying with legislation and good practice.

The Federated Employer’s Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) statistics indicate a drastic reduction in fatalities within the civil construction sector in the last ten years. It is worth noting that in 2008 with 23 603 employees, the Industry Accident Frequency Rate (IAFR) stood at 5.29. This has continuously declined and this year with 24 410 workers employed by the industry, the IAFR stands at 2.81.

In the past, SAFCEC has, in partnership with FEM, made great strides in addressing the issues related to occupational health and safety in the civil engineering industry. SAFCEC has also committed to support various Industrylaunched initiatives such as Buildsafe South Africa, which is an industry lead initiative to try and improve health and safety within the sector. Furthermore SAFCEC has represented its members in the development, signing and commitment to the Construction Sector health and safety Accord. This Accord is the proof of SAFCEC’s commitment to addressing health and safety within its sector in the context of a tripartite collaboration between organised business, organised labour and government.

To this avail, SAFCEC has a fully-fledged Safety, Health, Environmental, Risk and Quality department, staffed with qualified SHERQ professionals as part of its structure. Amongst other activities, the national SHERQ department and regional branches present or facilitate regular training sessions and workshops to improve skills, awareness and understanding.

“Our members’ levels of compliance are monitored by means of inspections and audits.   Our member companies are actively involved in these activities by means of established Health and Safety and Human Resources committees,” states Flint.

The so-called “big five” contractors, as it is often referred to in mainstream publications, being Murray & Roberts, Group 5, WBHO, Aveng and Steffanuti Stocks – adhere to effective, high quality safety procedures and measures, aligned with International Standards of certification andfar exceed the requirements as set out in legislation.

SAFCEC would like to emphasise that it has a mutually beneficial relationship with the Department of Labour, which we are maintaining in the interests of occupational health and safety.

On 24 August 2012 SAFCEC signed the Construction Health and Safety Accord – an agreement between Government, Organised Labour and Organised Business to improve the status of occupational health and safety in the construction sector. The agreement is proof of the value SAFCEC attaches to collective partnerships to reach a mutually desired outcome – Zero Harm in the construction sector.

As an organisation, SAFCEC is also heartened by the growing relationship with key stakeholders such as the major Unions and other employer’s organisations. “We believe that we are striving for a common objective and that with mutual help, support and understanding, outstanding levels of occupational health and safety can be reached in the South African construction industry,” concludes Flint.