Construction Regulations 2014: Plain English Summary

The Construction Regulations 2014 set out health and safety requirements for construction work in South Africa. This guide explains what you need to know in plain English.

What Are the Construction Regulations?

The Construction Regulations are rules under the Occupational Health and Safety Act that apply specifically to construction work. They cover everything from excavations to scaffolding to personal protective equipment.

Who Do They Apply To?

Anyone involved in construction work:

• Clients (property owners/developers)
• Principal contractors
• Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Workers

Key Requirements

1. Client Responsibilities

The client (person who orders the construction work) must:

• Prepare a health and safety specification
• Appoint a competent principal contractor
• Ensure adequate budget for safety
• Stop work if safety is inadequate

2. Principal Contractor Responsibilities

The principal contractor must:

• Prepare a health and safety plan
• Compile a safety file
• Appoint competent subcontractors
• Coordinate safety on site
• Conduct risk assessments
• Provide PPE
• Report accidents to DoL

3. Contractor/Subcontractor Requirements

Every contractor must:

• Have a safety file
• Conduct risk assessments
• Provide safe work procedures
• Train workers
• Provide PPE
• Keep registers
• Report incidents

Safety File Requirements

The regulations require a safety file containing:

• Health and safety policy
• Proof of competence
• All risk assessments
• Safe work procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Training records
• Registers

Notification to DoL

You must notify the Department of Labour before starting work if:

• Project value exceeds R40 million
• Work involves excavations deeper than 1m
• Work involves demolition
• Work involves scaffolding higher than 6m
• Work involves suspended platforms

Fall Protection

For work at heights (above 2m):

• Fall protection plan required
• Guardrails or fall arrest systems
• Safety nets where applicable
• Workers must be trained

Excavations

For excavations:

• Risk assessment required
• Support systems for depths over 1m
• Safe access/egress
• Barricades around excavations
• Regular inspections

Scaffolding

Scaffolding requirements:

• Erected by competent person
• Regular inspections
• Load limits clearly marked
• Guardrails on platforms

Penalties

Non-compliance can result in:

• Fines up to R50,000
• Imprisonment up to 1 year
• Site closure orders
• Criminal prosecution for fatalities

SiteReady Can Help

Our safety files are compiled according to the Construction Regulations 2014. WhatsApp us for a compliant safety file customized to your trade.