What's Happening in Montague Gardens, Western Cape…

The construction sector is labour intensive and, as such, employs a lot of people, which makes it critical for both employment creation and economic growth. For the same reason that it employs a lot of people, the sector is one of the most severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

To improve Covid safety, players in the construction sector have a responsibility to educate workers on transmission risks and on how best to stay protected. Printed materials like Posters and social distancing signage are key for this.

Why it’s essential to protect the construction sector from Covid-19

Last year, 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.

Clearly, it is critical that players do more to protect the construction sector from the worst effects of this pandemic. The SA government decided early on that it had to act:

The government added new health and safety requirements for construction sites in response to Covid-19

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 have a responsibility to ensure the additional regulations are adopted across the industry in both new projects and ongoing projects to protect the sector from the pandemic.

The construction sector is one of South Africa’s major economic contributors, and it will be a sector that government prioritises due to its employment creation potential 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.

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 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 for the construction sector during the Covid-19 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, 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.
As a construction sector player, it is critical that you fully adhere to health and safety regulations to protect your staff from Covid-19. Minuteman Press is here to help, with all the signage and Posters you need. Contact us here for more information on our products and services.