Construction Industry News and Views - October 2020
Construction Industry News and Views Edition 186 05 October 2020
Dear Members and Readers
The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index increased from an all-time low of 4 in the 2nd Quarter of 2020 to 24 in the 3rd Quarter of 2020. This was largely due to increased sales generated by hardware retailers and building material manufacturers due to an escalation in demand for home improvements and smaller alterations during this period. There was also some increase in the confidence of contractors and subcontractors – perhaps signalling a silver lining for the construction industry. Notwithstanding this, it has been reported that the cost of PPE and COVID-19 testing has impacted the profit margins of contractors.
In addition, Statistics SA has reported that the unemployment rate in South Africa has declined substantially to 23.3% in the 2nd Quarter of 2020 as opposed to the 1st Quarter unemployment rate of 30.1%.
The further opening of the economy under Alert Level 1 was well received with caution to be applied in the event of a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. To this end members should take note of the measures set out in the Directions issued by the Department of Employment and Labour, which should be implemented in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Association is in the process of engaging and partnering with relevant stakeholders to drive more benefits and potential work to our members. Let me start by acknowledging both Saiosh and uvex Safety South Africa for the 10, 000 safety glasses donated to Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal for distribution to qualifying members. We are also at an advanced stage of engagement with a renowned construction industry software vendor to negotiate better deals for our members, which will make a significant contribution to their businesses. Please look out for further information in the coming months.
In this edition, we examine the advantages of using the MBSA domestic subcontract agreement as this document is vital to avoid disputes and interruptions to projects due to miscommunication. In addition, the cidb enhancements are explained and members are encouraged to note these changes. We also look at benefits of training and development of employees which increase retention rates, workplace morale and builds authority and reputation within the industry.
Our health and safety feature for the month of October is “Working at heights: Understanding suspension trauma.” In this article, we gain knowledge of the hazards of suspension trauma, how to identify symptoms and avoid harness hang syndrome. We also remind members to evaluate their employee benefits on a regular basis to ensure premiums are market-related.
Please join the Association in congratulating Mr Vic Naidoo on his appointment as President of Master Builders South Africa. We wish him every success in his new role as he takes up the leadership reins of the South African construction industry.
Stay safe!
Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to fostering an enabling environment within the construction industry to assist its membership to achieve their business goals and objectives. To this end, the Association is continually exploring different avenues to drive work in the direction of its membership.
Earlier this year Master Builders South Africa issued the MBSA Domestic Subcontract Agreement for use with the JBCC Principal Building Agreement 6.2. The Association realises that this document was released during the national lockdown and members may have forgotten that this document is available from our Print Studio.
Working at heights: Understanding suspension trauma
Those writing fall protection plans must understand the hazards of harness hang syndrome in fall protection. Working at height forms an integral part of the construction industry, and proper fall protection equipment is imperative when it comes to getting the job done efficiently and safely. The dangers of working at height do not stop once the worker’s fall-arrest equipment performs effectively to reduce the consequences of a fall from height. The worker may now be at risk of an equally life-threatening emergency; suspension trauma.
Investing in employee training and development is vital for sustainable business growth and success. Training programmes enable employees to learn specific skills and knowledge that improve their job performance. Development programmes target overall employee growth for future career planning and development.
Have you reviewed your employee benefits program recently? Evaluating your program on a regular basis is critical to managing employee retention and recruitment, and to ensure premiums paid are market related. Many businesses fail to assess whether benefits offered to staff offer value for money and, as a result have an outdated employee benefits program which does not offer the benefits employees need or want.
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal provides a total health and safety solution for the construction industry. Consulting services include Full Pr. CHSA Services as per Construction Regulation 5(7) a & b, developing of safety specifications, baseline risk assessments, conducting of site audits and inspections, submit written reports on audits and inspections, assist with incident investigations, provide assistance during Department of Employment & Labour inquiries. Contact the Association on 031 831 3205 for more information.
The training programmes are intended to provide access to currently employed candidates, unemployed candidates and school leavers, as well as to facilitate workplace training.
Members who have current contracts that make provision for Contract Price Adjustment are able to download the latest published indices from Statistics South Africa by clicking on the following link.
