Like many industries, the construction sector is struggling to deal with the crushing effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. Where construction sites have not been closed altogether, supply chains have been disrupted and funding is drying up. With infections rising, many construction companies are also struggling to fill roles and to keep workers safe.
President Cyril Ramaphosa received a “firm commitment” amounting to billions of rands for the 55 bankable infrastructure projects. Among the 55 projects that government has earmarked for development is an aviation park near Upington, a smart city in Lanseria, a R3.1-billion Space Infrastructure Hub, a 516-hectare citrus farm in the Eastern Cape, and a water project that includes some 160km of pipe, and pump stations to get water to Eskom’s large power stations, Medupi and Matimba, among other projects.
Industry forced to enforce additional measures to keep construction sites safe
With the return to work of the construction sector, the South African government has issued additional health and safety requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Many Quantity Surveyors, contractors, and other stakeholders in the built environment are left grappling to determine the way forward on active construction projects as well as tenders for new projects.
The construction sector is one of South Africa’s major economic contributors, and it will be a sector that government prioritises due to the labour-intensive activities it offers. The new guidelines by the ASAQS will not only assist Quantity Surveyors, contractors, and employers on how to minimise the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees on construction sites, but it will also provide the much-needed clarity on the guidelines, responsibilities, and expense accountability.
While health and safety has always been a part of Quantity Surveyors’ cost reporting, it is now necessary to look at this part of tender documents with much greater scrutiny. Many stakeholders in the built environment, however, are still confused about who needs to enforce the regulations on-site, how the new health and safety specifications should be added to original tender documents, how to determine the cost of implementing the new directives, as well as who is responsible for these costs.
The government wants to ramp up job opportunities to soften the blow of the fiscal crisis that COVID-19 has brought about. With the new infrastructure rollout, Quantity Surveyors and other professionals in the built environment must comply with the new directives so that construction activities can move ahead swiftly. Everyone will need to play their part in responding to the impact of the pandemic and ensure faster recovery for the country’s economy.
How printing services are helping construction companies enforce Covid 19 safety measures
Printing is an essential business serving critical industries during COVID-19. The construction industry can use Print for construction site signage, public safety Posters and Signs, special notices and letters to residents, and worker safety Posters, Signs, and guidelines. Property developers, construction owners, Quantity Surveyors, and contractors face many challenges as they navigate through mostly uncharted territory with their projects experiencing mounting risks from the effects of COVID-19.
For an industry as labour-intensive as construction, contractors, project managers, property developers, quantity surveyors, and other key players have a responsibility to ensure adherence with Covid 19 safety and health guidelines at job sites. Minuteman Press, located in Germiston, has all the printed materials you can use to insulate your industry from the Covid 19 threat. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options.
Get a Free Quote for Signs Get a Free Quote for Posters Get a Free Quote for Print