Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist bridge project engineer accepts responsibility for the collapse of the temporary works structure
A Contract manager and engineer at the site of the Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist bridge project testified before the inquiry that he “accept responsibility for the collapse of the temporary works structure”.
Hein Pretorius, an engineer during the construction however, told the Commission that he was not in a position to know what caused the collapse. Pretorius testified during cross-examination that, on the day of the collapse of temporary structure he was on leave.
Pretorius told the Commission that he was aware that projects similar to the one undertaken on the M1/Graystn bridge required the appointment of competent persons.
Asked about the appointment of a mentor to Oliver Aadnesgaard, a candidate engineer working on construction site, Pretorius said he knew that there needed to be one, but was not aware who was Aadnesgaard’s mentor. He said he was nonetheless satisfied that Aadnesgaard met the requirements of a competent person.
Pretorius told the inquiry that he did on a regular basis received health and safety reports on site.
The drawings for the collapsed structure were supplied by FormScaff, said Pretorius.
Asked by M1/Grayston Drive inquiry Presiding Officer, Phumi Maphaha why did they went ahead with drawings without loadings, Pretorius declined to answer saying he may incriminate himself.
Pretorius told the inquiry that his engagement with FormScaff was in the main relating to discussions on the ease of erecting and dismantling of the temporary structure on the M1 bridge.
Maphaha asked Pretorius if he was aware of the loads that the structure could carry? Pretorius again declined to answer the question responding that he would not answer in case he may incriminate himself. He further declined to answer the question on who was responsible for inspections on the construction site.
The Presiding Officer (Maphaha) pointed out of the missing inspection registers from October 11-14, which the legal representative on behalf of Pretorius, Bruce Leich responded that an investigation would be conducted on the whereabouts of the inspections registers.
The Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse Inquiry is investigating contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its regulations which led to the uncontrolled collapse of the M1/Grayston temporary structure.
The inquiry was set up by the Department of Labour following the 14 October 2015 incident which happened at approximately 15:25 and led to the death of two people; injury to 19 persons.
The inquiry continues tomorrow and will subsequently convene again on Monday (July 09).
Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
