Abstract
possibility of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, occupational diseases and injuries, exposure to toxic materials and
unintentional falls. This has resulted in significant resentment against the retrofit trade. This study aims to clarify
the health and safety concerns of occupants in existing South African buildings during the process of retrofitting
for energy efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a qualitative research approach to gather information on
how service providers comprehend health and safety concerns during implementation of building energy retrofit
projects in existing buildings in South Africa.
Findings – The findings from the study identified several OHS concerns associated with building energy retrofit
projects. These include the presence and potential disturbance of asbestos-containing materials or
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during lighting replacement, the trapping of moisture behind spray foam
insulation, mould intrusion during system or component replacement, improperly vented combustion gases and
occupant exposure to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Furthermore, the study clarified viable methods for mitigating these
issues, which have significant implications for the effective implementation of building energy retrofit projects
in existing buildings.
Originality/value – The analysis reveals that every operation involved in a building energy retrofit project
entails potential OHS implications. Understanding these risks enables stakeholders to develop standardized and
optimized approaches for implementing building energy retrofit projects without compromising occupant
safety.