Demolition Safety: Ensuring a Secure Work Environment

Safe Demolition Practices

WorkSafe Victoria’s Priority Harms Program continues to focus on reducing fatalities and injuries in construction workplaces.

With a tailored approach for different construction sub-sectors, the demolition industry faces its unique challenges and risks. Graham Cressey, President of the Demolition and Asbestos Industry Association of Victoria (DAIAV), emphasises the importance of prioritising basic safety controls to prevent incidents and promote comprehensive risk assessments.

Demolition work is classified as high-risk construction work (HRCW), encompassing various tasks that can pose dangers to workers and the public.

Hazards associated with unsafe demolition include:

• Falls from heights
• Structural collapse
• Electrocution
• Exposure to asbestos and hazardous substances
• Inhalation of respirable dust like crystalline silica.

Common safety issues uncovered during inspections by WorkSafe Inspectors include:

• Unsafe work at a height
• Inadequate public protection
• Failure to ensure structural stability and consult engineers
• Insufficient traffic management
• Disregarding no-go zones for power lines and underground assets
• Using unsuitable mobile plant machinery
• Neglecting asbestos identification and removal
• Inadequate control measures for crystalline silica exposure.

To mitigate demolition risks, thorough planning is essential, encompassing effective control measures and addressing potential scenarios like fire, adverse weather, hidden asbestos, or unplanned structural collapse. For large, complex, or high-risk projects, a documented demolition plan must be developed. Moreover, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is mandatory before commencing any HRCW, ensuring risks are adequately controlled. Demolition work may involve multiple HRCW hazards and risks, which must also be addressed in the relevant SWMS.

“To mitigate demolition risks, thorough planning is essential, encompassing effective control measures and addressing potential scenarios like fire, adverse weather, hidden asbestos, or unplanned structural collapse.”

The SWMS should identify HRCW, outline the health and safety hazards and risks, describe the control measures, and specify their implementation. It is crucial that the SWMS is easily accessible and understandable to all personnel involved.

Before initiating demolition work, any identified asbestos must be removed as reasonably practicable, adhering to the OHS Regulations. The employer or self-employed person must prioritise risk elimination, and if not feasible, utilise the highest level of reasonably practicable control measures. Employing a combination of control measures is typically necessary.

“Before initiating demolition work, any identified asbestos must be removed as reasonably practicable, adhering to the OHS Regulations.”

Consultation with employees and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) is crucial when identifying hazards and risks, as well as determining and reviewing risk controls. This ensures a collective effort in maintaining a safe work environment. For further guidance on demolition safety, compliance codes, and specific topics such as plant operation, traffic management, falls prevention, underground electrical cables, asbestos management, powered mobile plant usage near overhead assets, crystalline silica, and dust control, refer to the resources provided by WorkSafe Victoria.

By promoting comprehensive risk assessments, adherence to safety protocols, and effective collaboration between industry stakeholders and WorkSafe, the demolition sector can reduce the likelihood and severity of incidents. Prioritising safety and implementing appropriate control measures will foster a secure environment for professionals and builders involved in demolition projects.