Excavation collapse results in death of employee inline of duty
The collapse of an excavation resulted in the death of an employee and injuring two others in the line of duty at Masingita Mall construction in Giyani on Monday. The employees were working for AJCOR Civils, a contractor appointed to extend the mall.
Preliminary investigations conducted by an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector from the Department of Labour in Limpopo confirmed that three employees were tasked to prepare the trench pipeline.
The trench was about three meters deep and muddy. As they were busy removing the mud and sand from the pipe, one side of the excavation collapsed on them, covering the deceased employee effusively, while the other two were covered up to their waists. The contractors and emergency service managed to rescue the two, and unfortunately the third employee was already dead. The rescued employees are in hospital.
The investigations revealed that two contractors were on site, one tasked with civil works and the other with building construction. The incident occurred on the civil works. A prohibition notice was served on the civil works of construction until the contractor can render the area of the incident safe to work in, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 as the area threatens the safety of other persons.
Chief Inspector, Phaswane Tladi said the contractor was advised to come up with remedial actions to avoid further incidents.
“A full investigation will be conducted wherein the outcome will be referred to the Police and the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” Tladi said.
Enquiries:
Phaswane Tladi
Cell: 0845043801
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
