The 2014 safety statistics recently released by the Federated Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) have revealed a shocking surge in motor vehicle accident (MVA) fatalities in the construction sector, to 48% of the total fatalities for the sector.

“This figure is a shock for the construction industry as a whole,” said FEM MD Thelma Pugh. “And most, if not all, of these so called 'accidents' are avoidable.”

“In view of the staggering nature of these figures, FEM and their partners have initiated an awareness programme designed to encourage organisations to enhance their drivers’ skills and to create a culture of road safety to ensure that their workers and all those who drive vehicles remain safe on our roads,” continued Pugh.

A team, comprising top management from FEM, health and safety specialists from the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors and Master Builders Association, is working in close collaboration on the development of this programme.

“It is the combined intention, through this programme, to encourage organisations to take construction health and safety awareness – with particular emphasis on defensive driver training – to a new level and to keep it there, thereby significantly reducing these events over the next 24 months, if not sooner,” said Pugh.

It is generally acknowledged by those active in the construction sector that many MVA fatalities are as a result of workers being transported, often to and from the construction or work-site, on open trucks or bakkies which then become involved in accidents.

Other driver-related aspects to be addressed through the programme will include substance abuse; sharing of information; sub-contractor safety; driving habits and advisories; and elimination of cell phone usage when driving – texting in particular – to name a few.

The programme, dubbed “Safetember”, will be communicated across a wide range of media, functions and events, and will hinge around encouraging organisations to use driver training and awareness. Captains of the industry and exemplary companies will also be invited to publicly pledge their support and commitment to the programme.

Development of Safetember is presently in its embryonic state, and will be communicated at the MBSA Congress in September this year.

Should you have meaningful suggestions to share with the development team you are encouraged to email Isobel Devane at FEM: IsobelDe@fema.co.za