New Rules Expand Safety Liability at Construction Sites

Who Will Be Affected by the Changes

Until now, primary responsibility for safety rested with the work manager and the construction work contractor. The new rules also include the party commissioning the work among those responsible, whether it is a private, public, or government company. For work requiring a permit, the permit holder is deemed the party commissioning the work; for work not subject to such a requirement, the property owner is deemed the party commissioning the work.

New Duties of the Party Commissioning the Work

Before work begins, the party commissioning the work must ensure that a safety plan is prepared and approved, specify in the contract the resources required to implement it, and appoint a safety inspector on its behalf. The contractor is then given written approval to begin or continue the work. At large sites, the contractor is also required to appoint a site manager to conduct periodic risk monitoring.

Responsibility Cannot Simply Be Transferred to the Contractor

A contractual provision stating that the contractor alone is responsible for safety no longer covers all the duties of the party commissioning the work. Companies and their managers will be required to demonstrate the existence of permanent mechanisms for oversight, reporting, and rectifying violations, rather than merely appointing officeholders. Upon receiving a report of an unacceptable risk, the company must ensure a response and provide written approval within 48 hours.

Implementation Difficulties

The rules also apply to projects already underway, so previously signed contracts may need to be reexamined or supplemented with additional provisions. Legal experts also point to uncertainty regarding some projects that do not require a building permit, as well as difficulties in administrative enforcement against parties commissioning work. A shortage of certified safety inspectors is expected, and the estimated annual expenses for a real estate developer may reach 250,000 shekels, depending on the project.

Reason for the Reform

The changes were adopted against the backdrop of the large number of accidents in the construction sector. According to data from the Kav LaOved organization, by the end of September 2026, 238 people had been injured at construction sites, including 30 fatalities. This represents more than half of the 55 fatalities in all workplace accidents during the same period.

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