EMG/General/TBT-EMG-005

Structural Collapse Response

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Structural Collapse Response

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EMG-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Structural collapse on a construction site can trap, crush, and bury workers under tonnes of debris with little or no warning.
  • The first priority after a collapse is to prevent further collapse — secondary collapse kills rescuers who rush into the debris.
  • Do not enter the collapse zone until a competent structural assessment confirms the remaining structure is stable.
  • Call 999 immediately and request fire and rescue service attendance — they have specialist urban search and rescue capability.
  • Account for all workers who may have been in the collapse area using the site register and any access control records.
  • Casualties who are visible and accessible may be helped if it is safe to do so — do not move rubble that may be supporting structure.
  • Maintain communication with any trapped persons — talking to them provides reassurance and allows their condition to be monitored.
  • Establish an inner cordon preventing entry and an outer cordon for staging emergency services and site management.
  • Preserve the collapse scene for investigation by the HSE, police, and structural engineers after rescue operations conclude.
  • Post-incident welfare support must be provided for everyone on site — witnessing a collapse is a traumatic experience.

Why?

Secondary collapseThe remaining structure may be unstable — rushing in to help causes secondary collapse that kills rescuers as well as casualties.
Specialist rescueUrban search and rescue teams have equipment and training for structural collapse — site workers do not and should not attempt it.
Account for everyoneThe site register is the only way to know who may be trapped — a missing name on the roll call tells rescuers who to search for.
Do Don't
  • Call 999 immediately and request fire and rescue service specialist teams.
  • Do not enter the collapse zone until structural stability is confirmed.
  • Account for all personnel using the site register and access control records.
  • Establish inner and outer cordons to control access to the collapse area.
  • Help visible, accessible casualties only if it is safe to approach them.
  • Communicate with trapped persons to reassure them and monitor their condition.
  • Prevent further collapse by keeping everyone clear and not disturbing debris.
  • Preserve the scene for investigation after rescue operations are completed.
  • Provide welfare support for everyone on site affected by the incident.
  • Brief emergency services on site layout, casualty numbers, and structural type.
  • DON'T rush into the collapse zone — secondary collapse kills rescuers.
  • DON'T attempt structural collapse rescue without specialist equipment and training.
  • DON'T assume everyone is accounted for — check the register for every name.
  • DON'T allow unauthorised persons near the collapse — maintain strict cordons.
  • DON'T move rubble that may be supporting the remaining structure above casualties.
  • DON'T stop communicating with trapped persons — your voice keeps them calm.
  • DON'T disturb the debris unnecessarily — further movement risks additional collapse.
  • DON'T clean up or disturb the scene before investigators have attended.
  • DON'T neglect the wellbeing of witnesses — arrange welfare support immediately.
  • DON'T delay briefing emergency services — they need site information to plan rescue.

See also: Emergency Plan Awareness | Incident Investigation Process
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