The review of the Construction Regulations 2003 was finalised and promulgated on the 10th February 2014. The 2014 revision was launched by the Minister of Labour, Honourable Ms Mildred Oliphant, MP and Minister of Public Works, Honourable Mr Thembelani Nxesi, MP. As a result of this promulgation, the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) has been approved by the National Department of Labour as the only statutory body recognised to register Construction Health and Safety (CHS) Professionals in terms of Construction Regulation 5(8) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act No.85 of 1993.
The following categories of Construction Health and Safety have been approved for registration:
1. Construction Health and Safety Agent (PrCHSA)
Registration Rules for Construction Health and Safety Agent (PrCHSA) in Terms of Section18(1) (c) of the Act, (Act No.48 of 2000), as published on 31 May 2013 in the Government Gazette, Gazette No. 36525, Board Notice 115 of 2013 for commencement 1 June 2013.
2. Construction Health and Safety Manager (CHSM)
Registration Rules for Construction Health and Safety Manager (CHSM) in Terms of Section18(1) (c) of the Act, (Act No.48 of 2000), as published on 31 May 2013 in the Government Gazette, Gazette No. 36525, Board Notice 114 of 2013 for commencement 1 August 2013.
3. Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO)
Registration Rules for Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO) in Terms of Section18(1) (c) of the Act, (Act No.48 of 2000), as published on 31 May 2013 in the Government Gazette, Gazette No. 36525, Board Notice 113 of 2013 for commencement 1 August 2013.
The registration of CHS professionals is critical intervention in terms of enhancing CHS in the sector, and the urgent need to reduce injuries, fatalities, and disease. The application and approval of Construction Permits by the Department of Labour was established to ensure that competent professionals are appointed prior to commencing any project in the built environment.
Verifying the competence of CHS professionals in the construction sector is one of the critical objectives of the Department of Labour. Incompetent persons performing construction works and practicing in CHS or those excluding CHS on projects increases risk and the high levels of loss currently experienced in the sector.
The Department of Labour wishes to announce that all those working in the built environment are expected to comply with the Construction Regulations 2014. Regulation 3 and 5 (7)(b) will come into effect on the 7th August 2015. The Chief Inspector allowed an eighteen (18) month period which commenced from 7th February 2014 for competent persons to register with the SACPCMP, which was deemed to be sufficient and a reasonable time in which to do so.
We encourage applicants to apply to the SACPCMP early, as registration is mandatory in order to practice in the field of CHS.
Non- registration will have serious consequences in an essesequences in an essential part of the South African economy. We look forward to the Built Environment working together for positive change.
