We train young people to work in the construction sector. As they enter the workplace, their safety and well-being remains a key priority. Creating safe work environments is essential across all industries, but it’s especially crucial in construction where any lapse in health and safety standards can lead to serious risks. While health and safety compliance is a responsibility mandated to employers and designated officers, everyone has a part to play in creating and maintaining safe work environments.
On 30 October, as part of our Training into Work programme, Build It organised a full-day health and safety training session at the Asmara Hotel, Lusaka. The training brought together key stakeholders from across the construction sector, including representatives from the National Council for Construction (NCC), health and safety managers, contractors, and frontline construction workers.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ skills around risk assessment, prevention, and regulatory compliance. Through interactive group sessions, attendees discussed best practices, shared insights, and developed actions for improving safety culture and practices on construction sites.
Voices from the workshop: A commitment to safety
Leading the training was Build It Head of Training Patrick Mwamba and Build It Project manager Gideon Mbilima, supported by NCC Monitoring and Compliance Specialist Davie Mwanza. The training covered a range of key topics including risk assessments, working at heights, manual handling, and Personal Protective Equipment.
Suscon Construction Solutions Health and Safety Officer Mwewa Mambwe emphasised that the health and safety of employees on site cannot be compromised: “Personal Protective Equipment may be slightly costly on the employers end, but it is so important that construction companies prioritise the health and safety of their employees”
A practical presentation of key Personal Protective Equipment was delivered, demonstrating what different hard hat colours mean and how to properly wear and use a safety harness.
Participants demonstrating how to properly wear a safety harness to work at height
Brian Kaimba, a Health and Safety Officer, shared his dedication to creating safe environments for all. “It’s my duty to ensure that the workplace is safe not only for workers but also for visitors,” he stated, pledging to work closely with employers to ensure that safety is not compromised and that safety policies are well followed.
NCC representative Davie Mwanza emphasised the importance of industry compliance, reminding participants that construction companies must be registered and adhere to Health and Safety regulations set out in the NCC Act 10 of 2020. He cautioned participants to be vigilant against fraudulent inspectors who financially exploit contractors who are found not adhering to rules:
“Companies must be held responsible for not following rules and regulations, but we have proper systems that we follow to do this to ensure safer work environments. We do not condone the act of false inspectors coming to sites to exploit money from companies for their own gain, so be wary” he advised.
NCC representative Davie Mwanza facilitating a session on the NCC Act
Building a culture of safety
The training left participants with enhanced skills around risk assessment, prevention, and policy adherence. Several participants requested similar sessions for foremen/women who play a critical role in monitoring onsite safety. They also expressed support for regular Health and Safety talks onsite. Participants emphasised the value of these workshops, which allow industry professionals to share best practices and stay focused on creating safe work environments.
Going forward, Build It hopes to see contractors enhance their compliance to Health and Safety regulations with fewer accidents onsite, helping everyone to return home safely at the end of each day.
We are excited to have hosted our first of many Health and Safety trainings
To find out more about these sessions, please contact our head of training: [email protected]
