Timber iQ June - July 2018 // Issue: 38 | Page 63

CONTRIBUTORS - TALKING TIMBER He recommends that the following is considered to reduce or prevent risks: • Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) goes a long way towards preventing some injuries, however this should only be used as a last resort where an activity cannot be made safe; • The use of the correct tools or machinery to perform a task also contributes to a reduction in accidents; • Machinery used on site must be well maintained and all users must be properly trained on how to use it; • Proper fall prevention and fall arrest systems must be installed and used correctly on sites. Users of this equipment also need to be properly trained on how to use it; and • Workers need to be transported in a safe manner to sites, as motor vehicle accidents are a significant contributor to fatalities. ADDRESSING THE ISSUE Through addressing issues surrounding health and safety on site, Bester believes that providing information will help reduce the high number of accidents. “We want to re-affirm the importance of health and safety in the workplace and provide information from experts to help employers achieve a higher standard of health and safety in construction. “The construction industry needs to understand that there are effective ways of reducing accidents,” he concludes. LUNAWOOD DECKING Lunawood is an outstanding decking material due to its stability and durability. Improved insulation properties make Lunawood an excellent choice for decking. LUNAWOOD FACADE Thermowood is an outstanding choice for exterior claddings and facades. Thermowood allows Scandinavian softwood to be successfully used in hot and humid weather conditions. REASONS TO USE LUNAWOOD THERMOWOOD Deon Bester of MBAWC. ABOUT DEON BESTER Deon Bester has been involved in the construction industry since 1988. He was first employed in the sales industry and later became involved in the production planning and logistics of a clay brick manufacturing company. At the same time, he was serving on the MBA EXCO representing the manufacturing industry and participated regularly in matters concerning the industry as well as chairing the health and safety committee. He has performed numerous legal compliance audits in the past 12 years and is also involved in training construction employees on the requirements of legislation regarding health and safety on site. Agent in Southern Africa: www.npp.co.za +27 (0) 21 700 2800 More information and inspiration: // JUNE / JULY 2018 61 LUNAWOOD.COM