Lessons from the George and Verulam Collapses

The collapses of the George and Verulam buildings showed that structural failures in South Africa are tangible risks, not theory. These incidents resulted in loss of life and highlighted failures in temporary works control, emergency planning, rescue readiness and access to site information.
Structural collapses are rare but deadly. When they happen, there is no time for improvisation. 

What contractors must have in place:

1. Identify collapse risks

Your risk assessment must cover:

• Excavations and trenches.
• Formwork, falsework and scaffolding.
• Temporary works and partially completed structures.

If it can collapse, it must be assessed.

2. Control of Temporary Works

Many collapses involve temporary works.

Ensure the following:

• Designs completed by a competent person.
• Drawings approved and signed off.
• Inspections done and recorded.
• No unauthorised changes or overloading.

3. Emergency plan for collapse

Your emergency plan must clearly explain:

• The process for raising the alarm.
• Evacuation routes and assembly points.
• Who takes control during an emergency.
• How emergency services are contacted.

Workers must know this, not just management.

4. O₂ and rescue readiness

If workers are trapped, air can mean the difference between life and death.

Where reasonably practicable, sites should have:

• Emergency oxygen (O₂) or breathing support equipment.
• First-aid equipment for crush injuries.
• Communication devices to locate and support trapped workers.

Only trained and authorised persons may attempt rescue and must do so in coordination with emergency services.

5. Keep critical documents accessible

Emergency responders need information fast. Keep the following documents easily accessible. 

• Temporary works drawings.
• Structural and as-built drawings.
• Inspection records and method statements.
• Emergency contact lists.

STOP WORK if you see or hear:

• Cracks, movement or deflection.
• Unusual sounds (cracking or popping).
• Overloading or unauthorised structural changes.

Structural instability is a STOP-WORK condition.

Final Message

Structural collapses do not allow for second chances.

If your emergency plan, O₂ readiness, equipment and documents are not in place before a collapse, they will not be there after it happens either.

Plan, Equip, Train, Document - Save lives!