The Labour Department is reminding contractors, developers, engineers, project managers and members of the public that construction and engineering projects must be reported to the Chief Labour Officer before work commences. This does not include simple family dwellings.
Under Section 85 of the Safety and Health at Work Act, Cap. 356, any person undertaking construction or engineering works expected to last more than one week is required to notify the Chief Labour Officer at least seven days before the start of the project.
The requirement forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote safe and healthy working environments, facilitate the monitoring of high-risk activities and help prevent accidents that could endanger workers and members of the public.
Senior Safety and Health Officer, Avril Mayers, explained that early notification allows the Department to identify projects that may present significant occupational safety and health risks and ensure that appropriate measures are in place before work begins.
“Construction remains one of the sectors where workers can be exposed to significant hazards if proper safety measures are not implemented.
“The notification process assists the Department in monitoring activities and encouraging compliance with established safety and health standards from the earliest stages of a project,” Mrs. Mayers explained.
She noted that projects requiring notification may include multi-storey construction, excavation works, renovations, demolition activities, structural steel erection and major engineering projects.
The Senior Safety and Health Officer encouraged persons involved in the planning and execution of construction works to make notification a routine part of their project preparation process.
“Safety begins long before the first block is laid or the first trench is dug. Proper planning and timely notification are critical components of a safe construction site and help to protect workers, contractors and the wider public,” she stated.
The Labour Department is urging all stakeholders to plan ahead, notify early and ensure that construction activities are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Safety and Health at Work Act.
For further information on notification requirements and occupational safety and health obligations, persons may contact the Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector at labour@labour.gov.bb.
