New Construction Safety Regulations Take Effect in Israel, Enforcement on Foreign Workers Delayed
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
New construction safety regulations in Israel became effective Friday, requiring developers to implement comprehensive safety plans and contractors to appoint site managers. A grace period of three months has been granted for the enforcement of mandatory safety training for foreign workers due to insufficient training facilities. Mazi Golan, head of the construction workers' union, praised the new safety rules and the delay for foreign worker training, urging employers to prepare for compliance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- New construction safety regulations requiring safety plans and supervisors are now in effect in Israel.
- Enforcement of mandatory safety training for foreign construction workers has been delayed by three months.
- Developers must now ensure safety plans, appoint supervisors, and fix deficiencies on construction sites.
- Contractors must appoint site managers for sites over 15,000 square meters.
- Foreign workers must undergo safety training within one month of arrival.
- The delay in foreign worker training enforcement is due to a shortage of available training institutions.
New safety regulations for Israel's construction industry officially came into effect on Friday, imposing stricter requirements on developers and contractors. Developers are now mandated to ensure the existence of a safety plan, appoint safety supervisors, and verify the correction of safety deficiencies on construction sites. Execution contractors must appoint site managers for sites exceeding 15,000 square meters, and safety officers are required to report life-threatening safety violations to the Ministry of Labor. The updated regulations significantly enhance requirements for safety plans and risk management, extending them to smaller construction sites. These plans must now detail site descriptions, activities, workforce information, safety policies, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. Additionally, requirements for safety training for both new and existing workers, risk communication, and emergency drills have been strengthened.
Concurrently, regulations requiring foreign workers who arrived in Israel within the last 18 months to undergo safety training within a month also took effect. However, the Ministry of Labor has announced a three-month grace period for enforcing this specific requirement. This delay is attributed to indications that the number of available training institutions is insufficient to accommodate the large number of foreign workers in the sector. While enforcement will be postponed, any foreign worker found without the required training during this period will have it noted in inspection reports for future enforcement consideration.
Mazi Golan, Chairwoman of the Construction and Allied Industries Workers Union, welcomed the new safety regulations, stating that the union had long advocated for improved safety and for holding development companies accountable. Regarding the foreign worker training, Golan acknowledged practical difficulties reported by contractors and manpower corporations, citing a shortage of available training facilities. She expressed gratitude to the Safety Administration for listening to field needs and agreeing to the requested delay, urging employers to use the grace period for preparation and worker registration. Golan emphasized the union's continued commitment to worker safety and industry continuity.
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