LOCAL industry, especially the major corporates, are notorious for red tape – by definition, the excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.
Red tape of governments, corporations and large organisations are a source of endless frustration to employees, contractors, investigators and anybody in a hurry to get the job done.
Another safety breaching preaching, another toolbox talk, another lecture and another induction course make everybody see red.
But, when a fatality occurs, family and co-workers are bereaved, shocked, traumatised and worse, agonising over how the death of their loved one could have been prevented.
Emotional post-mortem of the facts often reveal evidence and circumstances pointing to forewarnings, such as feelings of nagging discomfort, a small transgression of procedure, fatigue, a shortcut taken somewhere, or a bit of blasé, because a routine task, though dangerous, had been undertaken so many times before that it is ‘old hat.’
The murder of 54-year-old Warrant Officer and cell commander Johannes Ngwane at the eSikhawini holding cells last Friday, is shocking, traumatic and unnecessary.
But, according to reports, the seasoned officer was alone in the cell when he was overpowered by trial awaiting inmates, which included suspected armed robbers.
According to police regulations, at least two officers must be together at all times.
Under no circumstances, except in extreme cases such as a fire, may a member unlock the door of a cell or area where persons are detained or enter that area unless the second member is present.
The member who enters must be unarmed, but the second, keeping guard outside, must be armed.
A full investigation into his death will no doubt be conducted, but this will not bring back a man to his family.
Red tape saves lives when adhered to and serves to prevent individual judgement, which may be faulty.
Remember to respect red tape. It has been around for a long time – with good reason.
