The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA) has called for a review of the safety practices on construction sites and the prioritisation of the health of construction workers following the collapse of a five-storey residential building in George, in the Western Cape earlier this month.

The organisation says the 34 lives lost in the tragedy are a reminder of the risks and sacrifices construction workers face daily.

The five-storey residential building was under construction along Victoria street, in George, and would have been occupied from August 1.

The BCIMA has reaffirmed its commitment to the health and wellbeing of the building and construction industry’s men and women, without whom there would be no hospitals or cities or other infrastructure being built.

It expresses the hope that the George building collapse will be a turning point in the industry and that the safety of workers will be carefully considered at all times.

The search and rescue operation since the incident occurred lasted a total of 260 hours, with personnel having worked on a 24-hour basis.

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell confirmed on May 17 that there were 62 people present on site at the time of the building collapsing, meaning that 28 people were successfully rescued and did not succumb to injuries in hospital.