Israel to Increase Enforcement of New Construction Safety Regulations
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel's Ministry of Labor will increase enforcement of new construction safety regulations that assign responsibility to developers. Director General Robi Shemesh stated that safety must be integrated into construction sites from the top down. The ministry aims to collaborate with contractors and developers, acknowledging concerns about costs while emphasizing that accidents are more expensive. New foreign workers receive mandatory safety training as the sector adapts to labor changes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel will increase enforcement of new construction safety rules, holding developers responsible.
- Ministry Director General Robi Shemesh stressed safety must be ingrained from site managers to developers.
- Developers are now accountable for safety due to their control over resources and investments.
- The ministry acknowledges cost concerns but highlights that accidents incur greater financial losses.
- New foreign workers receive mandatory safety training upon arrival in Israel.
- The ministry aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the construction industry.
Israel's Ministry of Labor is set to intensify enforcement of new safety regulations in the construction industry, which now hold developers responsible for workplace safety. Robi Shemesh, Director General of the Ministry of Labor and chairman of the National Safety and Health Institute, stated that "we will increase enforcement, the enforcement will be more advanced." He emphasized that regulations are ineffective without proper implementation, stressing that safety must be ingrained in construction sites from the site manager to the developer.
Shemesh explained that developers are now being held accountable because they control the resources and investments, ensuring safety is covered comprehensively when initiated from the top. He acknowledged contractor and developer concerns about increased costs and bureaucracy but countered that the economic cost of a single accident, including site closure and investigations, far exceeds the ongoing safety expenses.
The Ministry plans to foster collaboration through "round tables" to share knowledge and remains open to feedback, but reiterated that safety is paramount. Shemesh noted that the construction sector faces challenges, including a shortage of workers, and the ministry strives not to overburden the industry. He observed that the sector is learning and adapting to new safety measures.
Regarding the influx of foreign workers following the departure of Palestinian laborers since the war began, Shemesh stated that the ministry monitors labor needs and works with contractors to provide safety training. New foreign workers undergo orientation and on-site training, with supervisors ensuring compliance. He also mentioned efforts to integrate more Israeli workers into the sector, though the demand for foreign labor remains high.
While acknowledging the potential of AI in enforcement, Shemesh affirmed the ministry's belief in the responsibility of workers, developers, and site managers, as none wish for accidents on their sites.
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