In adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. 85 of 1993 and the Construction Regulations, Belhar College recently commenced with Occupational Health and Safety Inductions in the Western Cape. "The induction training was an initiative of the Master Builder’s and Allied Trades Association Western Cape," says Carl du Preez, Chief Executive Officer of Belhar College.

"The Association offered the induction training to their members as a service. However, as we are the only accredited provider in the Western Cape, and due to the immense demand for induction training, we now offer training to both MBA members and non members," says Du Preez. To date the College has already received booking for training of up to 2 000 inductees.

According to the current Construction Regulations, every employee on a site is obligated to carry proof of Health and Safety inductions. Visitors to a site are also to undergo induction training pertaining to the common hazards on the site. It is the responsibility of the contractor to not permit an employee, or visitor, to enter a site unless he/she has successfully undergone induction training pertaining to the hazards prevalent on the site. Employers or contractors who neglect to adhere to these regulations will face major fines.

Belhar College currently provides scheduled induction sessions at the College every Wednesday, from 08h00 to approximately 12h00. In addition, the College also conducts on site induction training for groups of at least 20 inductees per session. During the session, inductees are trained in the general aspects of health and safety on a site and how to respond when there is an emergency. The training is done in accordance to the statutory requirements of the relevant legislation. At completion of the induction session, inductees receive a General Induction Certificate, which is valid for two years, as proof of successfully completing the induction training.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this induction card should be carried by all construction workers at all times whilst on the site.

For more information on the induction training contact Mr. Len Penfold at

021-952-2113 or on his mobile at 082-536-0902.

CBN15 March 2004