Who to Trust for a Reliable Risk Assessment in the Construction Industry
The South African Constitution is one of the most progressive examples in the world when it comes to the recognition and protection of human rights. This prioritisation of individual rights is thoroughly supported in our extensive labour laws, including the protection of the health, safety, and related rights of employees by the regulations contained in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993. This act requires employers to take all reasonably practical steps to keep employees and the community from harm. For the construction industry, this type of risk assessment can have far-reaching implications.
This is, of course, because the construction industry is typically fraught with hazards, due to its very nature. A typical risk assessment can include everything from hazards related to noise levels and/or vibrations, to chemical exposure, machinery and equipment handling, and many more aspects.
Failure to comply with legislation can lead to fines, suspension of operating licenses, as well as exposure to costly litigation in instances where things go wrong. To avoid this risk, it is advised that a construction company do a proper risk assessment which allows them to manage employee exposure to potential hazards – this could be required for every project since conditions are different on every worksite.
The typical assessment and management process required in construction to meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 can be covered in four general steps:
Step 1: Identify Potential Hazards
This could relate to hazards posed by the construction process itself, as well as tasks related to temporary works, and the operation, cleaning, maintenance, alteration and/or demolition of the development.
Step 2: Prioritisation/Ranking of Hazards
Once the assessment is complete, the identified hazards should be prioritised based on their severity, and the likelihood that it will happen.
Step 3: Risk Management Strategy Development
Now that the hazards are identified, as well as those who could be harmed and the likelihood of it happening, processes and strategies can be developed to mitigate these risks or to remove the hazards completely.
Step 4: Evaluate and Adapt
Control measures should be regularly audited to ensure their efficacy and to adapt where necessary if any conditions have changed.
Established in 2003, IOH Solutions is registered with the Department of Labour (Registration Number: CI-015) as an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993. We could assist you with the risk assessment of matters related to the construction industry, including asbestos identification, noise monitoring, vibration (WBV & HAV), ventilation, and much more.
If you are in the construction industry and require a thorough and professional risk assessment that will ensure your compliance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, then it is time to get in touch with IOH Solutions. We will provide you with a competitive quote and help you to provide your employees with the safe environment that they deserve.