Rapid urban development increasing risk of accidents

Following the recent introduction of the Construction Regulations 2014, emphasis on risk management is once again in the spotlight in South Africa following a tragic accident near Upington in the Western Cape in November which saw a 198 meter crane collapse.

According to George Davis, Head: Construction and Engineering at Risk Benefit Solutions (RBS), accidents on construction sites, in particular involving cranes and lifting hoists, have become more and more prevalent globally – especially in emerging economies, such as South Africa, as rapid urban development activity increases.

Speaking on the recent accident, which involved fatalities, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison spokesperson, Johannes Stuurman, was reported as stating that accidents of this nature remain a concern.

Davis says that such accidents aren’t uncommon. “In January 2009, a tower crane blew over during a freak storm and cut through a partially completed roof at the Mbombela Stadium. One of the most infamous collapses happened at Miller Park Stadium in Milwaukee (USA) in 1999, where a 53 meter crane collapsed whilst moving a large piece of rooftop for the stadium. This incident resulted in numerous injuries and three fatalities.”

The Department of Labour (DoL) states that while it endeavours to protect vulnerable workers and monitor the impact of legislation, South Africa continues to be plagued by lack of adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The new Construction Regulations 2014 (which forms part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, and in compliance with the Driven Machinery Regulations), therefore came into effect on 7 August 2014 and aims to embed compliance behaviours into standard processes and procedures, says Davis.

Under Regulation 5 of the new Construction Regulations, duties of the client – defined as any person for whom construction work is performed - have increased considerably from the previous regulations and so have the liabilities. “As the client is responsible to prepare a baseline risk assessment for a project, the use of crane safely is as much the responsibility of the client, as it is for the principal contractor.”

He explains that the worst potential consequence of on-site accidents is the tragic loss of life and the onus is on both the client and the principal contractor to implement every possible step to safeguard the workers. “In addition, consequential damages to the project are further impacted on both the employer and principal contractors’ time efficiency and ultimately the balance sheet.”

Davis explains that one option is to ensure that the lifting plan – which ensures safety – inclusive of a risk assessment, is developed prior to the commencement of the lifting operations, bearing in mind health and safety.

He says that notwithstanding the requirements for a risk assessment and daily inspections on site, all persons involved in construction work have a duty to consider the risks related to lifting equipment which raises and lowers a load.

“Where there is a significant hazard arising from its use, such as overloading or overturning, the equipment should be fitted with a device such as rated capacity indicator (RCI), which indicates a safe load across the mobile crane's full working range. Strong winds for example may swing suspended loads, such as crates and panels, out of balance and radius, making the crane unstable. It is therefore essential that cranes are fitted with anemometers or other wind-speed monitoring devices.”

He adds that whereas the 2003 Construction regulation 20 (a) for cranes stated “account is taken of the effects of wind forces on the structure”, the new 2014 Construction regulation 22 (c) specifically requires “that a wind speed device is fitted that provides the operator with an audible warning when the wind speed exceeds the design engineers’ specification”.

“It is advisable that all individuals involved in construction work seeks the expert guidance to ensure they have a clear understanding of all regulations and compliance, environmental, geotechnical, plant operators and third party issues, and that they are adequately covered for on-site accidents should these occur,” concludes Davis.