Using printing to mitigate Covid risks in the construction sector
Covid 19 hit the construction sector so hard that it will take years for it to recover back to pre-pandemic levels. Raw materials will take time to move efficiently again, sickened workers will need time to get back to full health, while investors will need time to reassess risks before pouring money into the sector again.
President Cyril Ramaphosa received a “firm commitment” amounting to billions of rands for the 55 bankable infrastructure projects. Among the 55 projects that the government has earmarked for development is an aviation park near Upington, a smart city in Lanseria, an 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.
Keeping construction sites safe will be key to the sector’s recovery
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 because of its labour-intensive nature. 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.
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 need to make sure they 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 as well as the country’s economic recovery.
How printing services are sustaining the construction sector during the pandemic
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.
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.
As a construction sector professional, the Covid 19 threat demands you that prioritise health and safety across your job sites. You must ensure your sites strictly observe the health and safety rules and regulations that keep your staff safe from the coronavirus.
Minuteman Press, the leading printing company in Hatfield is here to make sure you have all the social distancing signage, posters, and face masks you need. To learn more about how our printing services can help you manage the pandemic’s risks, contact us today.