VERY strict regulations govern construction in SA, says industry body

The tragedy unfolding in George where a 5-storey building collapsed while under construction, has of course led to speculation about what could have caused the 'implosion'.

On the Afternoon Drive, John Maytham finds out about the protocols that are in place in South Africa to prevent major accidents like this one.

Labour Dept approaches several foreign missions in probe of George building collapse

The health and safety regulations laid down by the Department of Labour in this regard are very strict, is the assurance from John Matthews, chairperson of Construction Alliance South Africa.

Matthews emphasizes that, whether you're busy with a single- or a 20-storey building, these rules apply to everybody.

"There are very strict processes, even prior to construction, in terms of health and safety officers, appointment of health and safety agents, etcetera."

"Even during the construction process there are audits that are carried out, there are processes for the contractors, even to the extent of sub-contractos having health and safety files."

John Matthews, Chair - Construction Alliance South Africa

While he stresses that he cannot speculate, Matthews says he'd assume that all of those things were done in the case of the George site.

"Yes, some of it is a tick box system, but you have to have those things in place before you can even get NEAR a site."

"The Health and Safety Act is a prescribed act, and the agents and consultants have very strict codes that they have to address, both from a developer's perspective as well as a contractor's perspective."

John Matthews, Chair - Construction Alliance South Africa