MINISTER CHAUMIERE ON HEALTH AND SAFETY TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

It is my honour and privilege to be present this morning on the occasion of the launching of this workshop on Safety and Health in the construction industry organised by the Construction Industry Development Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping.
I am informed that the aim of this workshop is to sensitize the consultants and contractors of the construction industry about the need to promote a healthy and safe working environment on construction sites.
At the outset, I would like to thank and congratulate the Construction Industry Development Board for their laudable initiative in organising such an important workshop at this opportune time when we have unfortunately witnessed a number of fatal accidents in the sector recently.
The construction industry is indeed one of the booming sectors of the economy with a significant workforce. However the construction industry has certain characteristics which distinguish it from other industries. These are: -
 the high proportion of small firms and of self-employed workers;
 the variety and comparatively short life of construction sites;
 the high turnover of workers;
 the large numbers of seasonal workers who may be unfamiliar with construction processes and practices;
 exposure to the weather; and
 the many different trades and occupations.
Given the nature of the activities prevailing in the sector, it is evident that significant risks may exist and if safety measures are not taken, serious injuries may be sustained and in certain cases can even be fatal. It is therefore imperative that every stakeholder, be it employer, worker, engineer, safety and health officer, contractor or consultant should take all appropriate and adequate measures to ensure that all risks are controlled and that the works are performed safely and safety and health norms are observed on site of work. Safety and health is the concern of everybody and it is only through our concerted efforts that we can achieve high standards of safety and health in the sector.
Over the past years we have seen the emergence of many high-rise buildings being constructed vertically, thus increasing the risks to the safety and health of workers in that sector. Working at height is indeed dangerous as falls of persons from a height and falls of materials and objects, represent some of the serious hazards. Of late, a high proportion of accident in this sector has been caused by falls from heights, falling of materials and contact with overhead electricity lines.
Working at height is a common feature nowadays and I would like here to point out that in this regard suitable and safe scaffold is of prime importance. In fact part 19 of the Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, 1980 regarding buildings and excavation works require every building work to be undertaken under the general supervision of a competent person. No builder can ask a person to perform any work in an elevated position unless such work can be performed safely from a ladder or a scaffold. The law also imposes amongst others the duty on the builder to cause every scaffold to be:-
 securely and effectively braced to ensure stability;
 secured at suitable intervals;
 inspected by a competent person at regular intervals and after bad weather; and
 provided with a safe access.

Other hazardous activities which require serious consideration from all stakeholders from the safety and health point of view include working in deep excavations, roof work, working near void spaces, erection of scaffolds, demolition work, operation of mechanical equipment and working close to overhead electrical cables.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 clearly stipulates the responsibility of employers. Under Section 5 (1) of OSHA 2005 the employer has a duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the safety, health and welfare of his employees. The employer has to comply with specific duties which include amongst others: -
(i) the need for a written safety and health policy, where 50 or more employees are employed; and
(ii) the need for periodic risk assessment.
The Act 2005 also requires every employer to provide adequate safety and health information, instruction and training to its employees: -
(i) on being recruited into the employers’ undertaking;
(ii) on being exposed to new or increased risks as a result of a transfer or change of responsibility; and
(iii) on the introduction of new plant or a change relating to any process already in use within the place of work.
Good management of construction projects is essential from concept through to design, construction, use, and eventual demolition to ensure that safety and health standards are being complied with. Poor management of the design or construction process is a prime cause of most of the deaths, injuries, and illnesses in the construction industry. Most serious accidents can be avoided by good design, good planning, and the use of tried and tested techniques for building safely. Actions taken at an early stage of the design process have a significant potential to reduce the level of risk on construction projects. Good co-ordination of activities and co-operation between all parties during design and construction is essential in reducing the high levels of risks found on many construction projects.
On this note, I wish all the participants fruitful interaction during the workshop and I have no doubt that they will make the most out of it.
Let me take this opportunity to make an earnest appeal to all consultants and contractors in the Construction Industry to place occupational safety and health high on their agenda and to take all necessary measures to ensure that all works are carried out in a safe manner.