With the ever increasing demands that are placed on contractors to comply with Occupational Health and Safety legal requirements and standards, our members are finding it more and more difficult to be competitive in a market that is already hampered by the economy.

Being a member of the Association goes a long way towards demonstrating reliability and credibility but how do members demonstrate that they are health and safety compliant? It is easy; make use of our FREE Star Grading programme.

Master Builders South Africa MBSA developed a National Star Grading system which is tailored specifically for the Construction Industry. Members that are in good standing with the Association as well as having registered their employees for workmen's compensation can verify to potential clients that they are OHS legally compliant by having their current projects Star Graded by the Association free of charge.

Benefits of having a Star Grading done:

• Demonstrate that health, safety and environmental risks have been identified and addressed.
• Indicate that all risks have been prioritised and addressed in a systematic manner.
• Supports existing organisational management systems and standards such as ISO 9001:2000, OHSAS 18000 and ISO 14001 and legislative requirements.
• Increase productivity and lower accidental cost.
• Addresses moral, legal and financial issues related to occupational health, safety and environmental management.
• It enhances employer/employee relationships and marketing integrity.
• It improves commitment to health, safety and the environment.
• MBSA Construction Health and Safety System provide all necessary back-up documentation, examples of forms, registers and other technical data.
• Recognition is given in the form of a grading certificate and grading board that can be posted at the entrance of site for all to see -employees, public and competitors.
• It provides for international benchmarking opportunities.
• It could be incorporated into sustainable reporting.
• It reflects perceptions as well as realities as built into corporate reputation.

The Star Grading System Audits on the following Criteria:

• Administrative and legal requirements
• Health and safety education and training
• Physical site conditions (with emphasis on areas that cause the most incidents
• Health and hygiene

Stars are awarded as follows:

• 5 stars Upward of 90%
• 4 Stars 80% to 89.9%
• 3 Stars 70% to 79.9%
• 2 Stars 60% to 69,9%
• 1 Star 50% to 59,9%

Disabling Injury frequency rate (DIFR): 

The international DIFR system is applied when awarding the star rating. In addition to the percentage obtained from the star grading audit, Members will have to also demonstrate a favourable accident ratio in order obtain the desired grading. Herewith the sliding scale that is applied:

DIFR of 1.0% or less = 5 Stars

DIFR of 2.0% or less = 4 Stars

DIFR of 3.0% or less = 3 Stars

DIFR of 2.0% or less = 2 Stars

DIFR of 5.0% or less = 1 Stars

To find out more about the Association’s Star Grading programme contact your nearest Association office. Gradings are free to members.

Neil Enslin | Health and Safety Manager