Spate of accidents prompts construction Indaba

6 November 2008

The Department of Labour is to host a high level construction summit following the recent spate of accidents in the industry that have resulted in loss of lives and injuries to scores of workers.

The gathering, to be held at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday (Nov 11), will be addressed by labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana.

The summit aims at setting targets to reduce the number of fatalities, raise awareness about health and safety issues on construction sites, reduce the number of health-related injuries and deaths as well as put together an effective practical strategy to deal with the incidents in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Accord signed between the department, business and labour unions in 2002.

The accord seeks to reduce the high number of work-related accidents and to create a healthy and safe working environment at workplaces.

Among those scheduled to participate at the summit are representatives of trade unions, business, professional architects and designers, occupational health and safety legal expects as well as government departments.