ENHANCING PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CHS INDUSTRY

The construction industry heavily relies on the expertise of professionals to ensure the safety and success of construction projects. Within the Construction Health and Safety (CHS) sector, professionalism is crucial for safeguarding workers and the public. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed to enhance professionalism, including the lack of technical construction skills and the need for continuous development. This publication aims to explore the importance of technical construction skills, their impact on professionalism, and the need for ongoing improvement in the CHS industry.

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Defining Professionalism

Competence in the construction health and safety agent sector relates to technical knowledge and skills in implementing safety protocols. It is validated through qualifications and training. On the other hand, professionalism focuses on interpersonal skills, ethical behaviour, and fostering a safety conscious work environment. Both are essential for ensuring safety and successful project management.

According to the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), a CHS Professional is a person registered with the SACPCMP as a CHS Agent. This individual possesses the necessary qualifications, competencies, and experience to fulfil the role of a CHS Agent in the construction industry. They are responsible for promoting and ensuring health and safety compliance on construction projects to protect the well-being of workers and the public.

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The Significance of Technical Construction Skills

Technical construction skills are essential for CHS professionals to effectively fulfil their roles. These skills encompass a range of competencies, including the ability to interpret construction drawings, anticipate risks associated with design decisions, and understand the construction techniques employed on a project. Without these skills, CHS professionals may struggle to identify potential hazards, propose appropriate control measures, and effectively communicate with other project stakeholders. Consequently, the overall quality of CHS services can be compromised.

The Impact on Professionalism

The lack of technical construction skills within the CHS industry hinders the attainment of professionalism. It undermines the ability of CHS professionals to fully comprehend the complexities of construction projects, resulting in incomplete risk assessments, inadequate safety measures, and subpar service delivery. This not only poses risks to workers and the public but also tarnishes the reputation of the CHS profession. Therefore, it is imperative for CHS professionals to invest in developing their technical construction skills to enhance their professionalism and contribute to safer construction practices.

The Need for Continuous Development

Continuous development is vital in addressing the gaps in technical construction skills and improving professionalism in the CHS industry. CHS professionals should actively seek opportunities to expand their knowledge of construction techniques, engage in training programs to enhance their ability to read and interpret construction drawings, and stay updated on industry standards and regulations. By investing in continuous development, CHS professionals can bridge the gap between their current skill set and the technical knowledge required to provide comprehensive and effective CHS services.

Learning from Established Professionals

To further enhance professionalism in the CHS industry, there is value in learning from established professionals, such as architects. Architects are renowned for their technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality services. CHS professionals can adopt similar approaches to improve their own professionalism. By observing and learning from established professionals, CHS practitioners can gain insights into effective project management, risk assessment methodologies, and the integration of safety considerations into the design process.

Enhancing professionalism in the Construction Health and Safety industry requires addressing the lack of technical construction skills among CHS professionals and the need for continuous development. The ability to understand construction techniques, read drawings, and anticipate risks linked to designs is vital for delivering high-quality CHS services. By investing in continuous development, expanding technical construction skills, and learning from established professionals, CHS professionals can improve their professionalism, contribute to safer construction practices, and uphold the integrity of the CHS profession. It is essential that CHS professionals recognize the significance of technical construction skills and actively work towards their ongoing improvement.

At Coetzee CHSA, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and technical expertise, elevating CHS standards in the construction industry. With a focus on technical construction skills and continuous development, we deliver comprehensive and effective CHS solutions. Join us in creating safer construction environments by partnering with us for exceptional CHS services, where professionalism and technical expertise meet.

Kind regards,

Louis Coetzee

PrCHSA/094/2019, GradSAIOSH

Construction Health and Safety Agent