Printing services remain essential for the construction sector
Across the globe, construction projects have been impacted by the pandemic and various lockdowns in a variety of ways including a reduced or compromised availability of materials, slow-downs in production rates, lack of specialist resources, site closures due to high infection rates, and a reduction in the availability of labour due to compromised health workers, among other uniquely COVID-19-related challenges.
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.
Minuteman Press in Midrand clarify health and safety requirements on construction sites
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.
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.
Printing services serve a critical purpose in the construction sector
The printing industry has a long standing relationship with the construction sector and provides an essential service to construction sites during COVID-19. The construction industry uses print services in construction site signage, public safety posters and signs, special notices and letters to residents, worker safety posters signs, and guidelines. Property developers, construction owners, Quantity Surveyors, and contractors have faced a number of unique challenges that imposed risks on projects as a result of COVID-19.
As a contractor, property developer, project manager, or quantity surveyor, you need to ensure that your project sites adhere to COVID regulations that protect your staff. Minuteman Press in Midrand is the solution to all of your printing needs. For more information, contact us today.