Health and safety are crucial elements of a new mixed-use building project which is due for completion in the third quarter of 2020.

The Oxford Parks Phase I project comprises the construction of four mixed-use premium office and retail buildings and a fifth building which will house a hotel.

Accommodating the building workforce and subcontractors required for the simultaneous construction of the various structures requires adherence to stringent health and safety standards.

Concor Buildings explains that its internal health and safety policies are applied in line with those of ComPrac Holdings who have been appointed as the health and safety compliance consultant.

As part of the safety requirements, the safety files of all subcontractors are audited and aligned with those of Concor Buildings. All site staff undergo an initial safety induction before they can commence their duties and issues of concern are addressed at weekly toolbox talks. Daily planning and safety meetings confirm the priority given to health and safety on site.

Safety is enforced through a policy of Visible Felt Leadership. The implementation of this policy is a two-way approach. When a potential health or safety infringement or a life-threatening situation is observed, activity is stopped immediately and corrective coaching is given.

Major incident prevention is the second approach. To this end, foremen and section leaders are required to check that the site is safe, while the contract manager ensures that all documentation relating to competence and certification are in place in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

In addition, the company has introduced a new concept which entails interactive discussion and the use of visuals, whereby workers are shown a picture and are asked to identify unsafe or potentially hazardous practices and to suggest corrective action.

The company explains that it sees safety as a collaborative effort which includes continuous coaching and awareness campaigns.