Residents warned to stay away from construction danger zone

This follows numerous reports of residents/pedestrians who blatantly ignore or disregard on site restrictions and warnings.

“Due to the nature of the work that must be completed, the construction site is inherently dangerous. Residents who walk through the site are routinely exposed to hazards that will put them at risk of suffering injuries related to falls, machinery and structural collapses,” Sgt Manaka warned.

He added that contractors on site recently complained that children are coming through to the site area to play or swim in the trenches that are filled with water after heavy downpours. As the water is deep and murky, it could have devastating consequences such as drowning.

“We urge the community of Duduza to practice safety by staying away from the site. Parents should also be mindful and prevent their children from crossing over and the same goes for livestock owners in the area. Rife with risk, there are a number of injuries that can occur,” Sgt Manaka said.

He reminded that any person who visits the construction site with pre-arranged consent will be issued with the required personal protective equipment. They will also be under constant supervision of the site safety officers after all precautions have been considered.

Different construction sites pose different hazards, but residents are reminded of the following risks:

* construction workers working at height;

* moving objects and construction machines;

* slips, trips and falls;

* collapsing trenches;

* water filled trenches (due to rainfall)