Contractors Demand Delay of New Safety Regulations
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Israel's Association of Contractors and Builders is demanding a delay to new safety regulations that expand liability to clients, citing unpreparedness in the industry and the regulatory bodies. The association argues that essential infrastructure, reporting forms, and foreign worker training are incomplete. They also point to a shortage of qualified safety supervisors. The association's president criticized the government for ignoring their concerns and potentially halting construction sites.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Contractors demand delay of new safety regulations set to take effect Sunday.
- New rules expand safety responsibility to clients, not just builders.
- Association cites lack of online forms, unclear guidelines, and unprepared training.
- Shortage of qualified safety supervisors is also a major concern.
- Contractors threaten legal action if demands are not met.
The Association of Contractors and Builders of Israel is demanding a postponement of new safety regulations set to take effect this Sunday. These regulations expand safety responsibilities to include clients, not just those carrying out the work, and are particularly significant in the construction industry. The Safety Administration had announced a special enforcement operation, but the contractors argue that enforcement is not aligned with the industry's reality.
In a letter sent via the Gornitzky law firm, the association requested the delay until the necessary infrastructure for implementation is in place. They cited the lack of online forms for reporting work commencement, completion, and supervisor changes, as well as unanswered questions in the Administration's FAQ, suggesting the Administration itself is unprepared. The training system for foreign workers, also required by Sunday, is reportedly not ready.
The contractors argue it is unreasonable to expect them to comply with new rules when fundamental issues remain unclear and they face the risk of non-compliance. They assert that the responsibility for providing necessary clarifications lies with the Administration, not the supervised entities.
Furthermore, the association highlighted a difficulty in filling safety supervisor positions, a role mandated for sites with at least 50 employees. They claim this requirement increases demand for supervisors, a role already facing staffing shortages.
Association President Roni Brik stated that the government has not responded to previous demands to adapt the regulations to reality. He mentioned a prior petition to the Supreme Court, where the court awaited the state's response. Brik criticized the Ministry of Labor and the Safety Administration for ignoring the industry's inability to meet some new regulations, accusing them of acting irresponsibly and potentially halting thousands of construction sites without solutions.
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