Investigation launched after structural collapse injures five contractors in Durban

FOLLOWING a structural collapse during renovation work in Durban, five contractors were injured, prompting an investigation by the Department of Employment and Labour into the incident's causes and safety protocols, DA employment and labour spokesperson and labour lawyer Michael Bagraim said.

The eThekwini Municipality reported that its Fire Services responded to a structural collapse that left five contractors injured at approximately 11am at 107 Monty Naicker (Pine) Street. 

It said that emergency responders confirmed that a wall had given way during construction work involving a jackhammer and a sledgehammer. 

“In a critical rescue operation, one individual was found trapped beneath the collapsed wall, which had pinned his leg. Firefighters immediately deployed specialised pneumatic shoring equipment to stabilise the structure, working alongside Netcare emergency personnel to safely extricate the patient,” the municipality said. 

“All five injured contractors were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Four sustained moderate injuries and were stable, while one patient remains in a serious condition and is receiving intensive medical care.” 

The municipality confirmed that no fatalities were reported.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred during ongoing renovation work at a workshop facility used as a parking area. Investigations into the exact cause of the collapse are underway,” the municipality said. 

The City praised the quick and coordinated response of its emergency teams. 

ALS Paramedics Medical Services spokesperson Gareth Jamieson said that paramedics arrived on scene to find some of the victims being rescued by Metro police search and rescue. 

Jamieson said rescuing the final victim took time and effort from eThekwini Fire Services, SAPS and Metro police search and rescue units, as the patient was severely entrapped in the rubble. 

He said rescuers were initially unable to reach the injured patient because of safety concerns. Working together, they secured the area, allowing them to finally enter and free the last person. This final part of the rescue took more than an hour. 

The Department of Employment and Labour could not be reached for comment by the time of publication. 

DA employment and labour spokesperson and labour lawyer Michael Bagraim said that an investigation by the Department of Employment and Labour, would have to look at the following:

• The department will have to investigate the contractor relationship between the staff and the contractor. All staff members on duty on the day of the incident would have to produce necessary documents, including work permits, and all qualifications if in a position performing professional work. 
• The paperwork should be collated concerning all the permissions granted by the department. 
• It will be necessary for the inspectors to collect all the subcontractors and their qualifications with the registration. 
• The various bargaining councils involved will have to be coordinated with the department to see that the proper registration is in place. 
• It will be necessary to investigate the materials used and whether they followed the specifications as outlined in the plans. 
• The proper registration with a compensation fund must be investigated with all the requested deductions for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the bargaining councils. 

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