Metro concerned for safety of excavation, trench digging jobs

The Tshwane metro’s Emergency Services Department (ESD) has raised great concern about the safety of workers and the public at excavations and where trenches are being dug for various purposes.

The ESD spokesperson, Lindsay Mnguni said although there have been very few isolated incidents where trenches have collapsed on workers during operations, the aggravating consequences when these incidents occur cannot be ignored. Therefore, there is a need to emphasise adherence to national safety regulations as set out in the law.

“The Emergency Services Department has responded to three incidents in recent years, from 2021 to date where, sadly, fatalities and critical injuries occurred due to trench collapses. The most recent incident occurred in Ekangala Block F, near the R568 on the afternoon of Thursday, February 27.”

He said the trench collapse incident was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre at about 16:52 and the centre immediately dispatched Bronkhorstspruit and Innesdale fire stations to the scene.

Rescue equipment such as a fire engine and a bush pumper and manpower such as technical rescue and district commander’s units are imperative.

“On arrival, the firefighters discovered that a trench about 5m deep had collapsed onto four workers during excavation work.

“Three workers escaped with minor injuries and were treated at the scene and transported to the nearby Bronkhorstspruit District Hospital for further medical observation. However, the fourth worker was trapped and sadly suffered fatal injuries.”

He said a previous collapse incident occurred on the afternoon of August 11, 2023, and claimed the lives of three people who were also working in a deep trench in Capital Park.

“One person survived the trench collapse, although he sustained severe injuries. The victim was treated on-site and transported to hospital for further medical treatment and observation.”

He added that the first incident happened in Hammanskraal on February 1, 2021, where a worker was critically injured after part of a 3m deep trench collapsed on his leg while he was working inside the trench.

Mnguni said the department would like to highlight the need for all concerned parties to take steps to prevent these tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

“These incidents do not only pose danger to the workers if adequate safety measures are not put in place, but they are also a major hazard to the communities where these excavations are conducted.

“Furthermore, our rescue personnel are also exposed to heightened risks as they are expected to perform rescues under extremely hazardous conditions inherent in these collapsed trenches.”

He said the above incidents underscore the need to relook the laws and regulations applicable to safe construction work, especially those relevant to excavation and the digging of trenches.

“The national construction regulations in relation to digging trenches and excavations are enshrined and outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993).”

He said according to the Act, it can be concluded that the key requirements for safe excavations in worksites and other areas are the following:

– Supervision

All excavation work must be carried out under the supervision of a competent person.

– Stability evaluation

Trenches are often found in new construction sites where service pipes or cables are being put in place. The most common trench rescue incidents involve the rescue of one or more construction workers who have been trapped when the trench walls collapsed. It is crucial to evaluate the stability of the ground before excavation work begins.

– Shoring and bracing

Ensure that excavations are adequately shored or braced to prevent collapse.

– Access and egress

Provide convenient and safe means of access to the excavation area, with access points closer to the work area.

– Services and utilities

Identify and mark the location of underground services, such as electricity, water and gas, before commencing excavation work. This will assist in the prevention of tragedies and/or catastrophic disasters from happening.

– Inspections

Conduct regular daily and any unscheduled inspections of the excavation, including all bracing and shoring, to ensure safety.

– Barricading

Ensure that every excavation accessible to the public or adjacent to public roads, especially in residential areas, is adequately protected by barriers or fences and warning signs.

– Confined spaces

A contractor must comply with regulations for confined spaces, including proper ventilation and emergency response plans. A confined space is an enclosed area with limited entry or exit, which has an internal configuration not designed for human occupancy, such that an entrant could become trapped or asphyxiated. It may have inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section. These spaces include sewers, vats, caves, tanks and other areas or trenches. Rescues from such spaces are dangerous, especially if the interior environment is toxic or oxygen-deficient.

Mnguni added that the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1997 (Act 103 of 1977) and local municipal by-laws also apply to excavation activities. Excavation depths, slope stability and shoring systems must comply with relevant regulations.

“It is essential to consult with a competent person, such as a professional engineer, technologist or safety officer, to assess the environment continuously.

This is “to ensure compliance with these regulations, to develop a safe and effective excavation plan and to ensure that all workers and the public are aware of the risks and procedures to stay safe”.

He said the ESD prioritises the specialised training and development of firefighters. It ensures they are equipped with a wide range of skills and the adequate knowledge required to respond effectively to these special emergency incidents, and that they are empowered to protect the lives and property of our residents.

“Furthermore, contractors working within our borders are encouraged to ensure that regular inspections are conducted at construction sites to monitor, evaluate and enforce compliance with the regulations.

“Non-compliance with the requirements of the law and regulations, and the applicable by-laws will result in corrective action measures being taken against such contractors, in conjunction with the Department of Labour, to enforce compliance.”

Mnguni said the department urges communities to be alert near construction sites, especially those involving excavation work.

Immediately report all emergencies, like fire and rescue incidents, by calling 107 toll-free or by calling 012 358 6300/6400.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know your location to provide the correct address and give your correct contact number so that the operator can call you back if needed.”

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