Contractors Warn of Housing Delays Ahead of Nationwide Safety Inspections

Israel Builders Association warns that shortages of qualified safety officers could halt construction and delay home deliveries. It estimates a shortfall of more than 6,000 officers. Labor Ministry safety chief Hazi Schwartzman disputes the suggestion that the staffing requirement is new, saying officers can serve several sites. A March ministry clarification confirms that construction sites with at least 50 employees require a safety officer. Schwartzman announced a two-week nationwide inspection campaign starting October 18, with dozens of inspectors; sites lacking required safety controllers or site managers face closure.