Course Overview.
Introduction
This course provides an essential overview of the Construction Health and Safety Agent’s (CHSA) role across all six stages of a construction project, with a specific focus on the engineering and design team’s responsibilities. It equips professionals in engineering, project management, and related disciplines with the legal knowledge and practical skills needed to manage health and safety from project initiation through to close-out. The content is aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and South Africa’s Construction Regulations.
What you will learn
Learners will develop a solid understanding of the CHSA’s function throughout the construction project lifecycle, as defined by the SACPCMP. The course explains how design influences health and safety risks, and how engineers and consultants can proactively manage these risks. It covers the legal duties of clients, contractors, and designers, and shows how to meet documentation and compliance obligations at each project stage. Learners will finish the course prepared to support a safety-first approach in multidisciplinary teams while adhering to OHS legislation and engineering best practices.
Module Guide
Module 1 – Introduction and Project Framework.
An overview of the six SACPCMP-defined project stages with emphasis on the CHSA’s responsibilities. The module highlights key tasks across all stages, placing extra focus on Stages 1 to 3. Stage 4 is examined in depth to address common misconceptions, such as construction work permit requirements and the legal obligations of involved parties. Stages 5 and 6 focus on on-site compliance and proper project close-out.
Module 2 – Designer Duties.
Covers the statutory responsibilities of designers under South African Construction Regulations, focusing on hazard identification, risk mitigation, and ensuring compliance from concept to completion.
Module 3 – Understanding Project Stages.
This module outlines the structure and importance of the construction lifecycle. Learners explore how each phase presents unique health and safety challenges, and how a stage-based approach ensures early hazard identification and better coordination. The CHSA’s role in managing these transitions is introduced.
Module 4 – Stage 1: Project Initiation and Briefing.
Learners will see how the CHSA collaborates with clients and professionals to create a foundational health and safety plan. The module covers establishing a risk profile, evaluating consultant competencies, and setting up the project H&S brief.
Module 5 – Stage 2: Concept and Feasibility.
This section focuses on integrating safety into early design concepts, drafting baseline risk assessments, and planning for resource allocation. Learners will also understand how to evaluate and monitor specialist competencies and safety plans.
Module 6 – Stage 3: Design Development.
Here, the course details how CHSAs manage design risk, guide consultants on regulatory obligations, and ensure the final design enables safe construction and maintenance. Learners will review updates to the baseline risk profile and learn how to define safety budget items.
Module 7 – Stage 4: Tender Documentation and Procurement.
This critical stage addresses construction work permit processes, health and safety specifications in tender documents, and the legal duties of clients, contractors, consultants, and CHSAs. Learners will gain clarity on Section 37.2 agreements, proof of good standing, and 16.1 appointments.
Module 8 – Stage 5: Construction Documentation and Management.
This module covers the CHSA’s site-based responsibilities, including safety audits, risk monitoring, plan approvals, and incident management. Learners will understand how to oversee mobilisation plans and lead compliance oversight.
Module 9 – Stage 6: Project Close-Out.
The final module outlines end-stage responsibilities such as reviewing safety files, cancelling appointments, and preparing close-out reports. It also covers post-construction safety obligations, structural inspections, and maintenance compliance.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the CHSA’s responsibilities throughout all six construction stages
- Recognise and address design-stage safety risks
- Align health and safety documentation with legal and engineering standards
- Support compliance in tendering, design, and site execution
- Manage effective project close-out through structured safety processes
Certification
Certificate of Completion issued by Cairnmead Faculty of Safety CPD recognised under the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Requirements
- Stable internet access
- Basic understanding of construction project roles and processes
Assesment
Learners must complete a multiple-choice quiz to receive certification.
