Following the October death of a 49-year-old man in Avondale Heights from fatal crush injuries sustained during the mechanical demolition of a three-storey brick home, WorkSafe has issued a Safety Alert reminding employers of the risks associated with demolishing buildings and structures.
Employees and members of the public are at risk around building demolitions from unexpected structural collapse and falling objects. To reduce the risk of an unexpected structural collapse employers should engage a suitably qualified person such as a structural engineer who is experienced in demolition to assess the risks and whether temporary structural support is required. Exclusion zones must be maintained and a clear plan of the proposed method and sequence of demolition.
Employers and self-employed persons have a duty under the OHS Act and OHS Regulations to ensure that their workplaces are safe for employees and do not present a hazard to other people. They must ensure that a health and safety coordination plan is prepared before the demolition begins and monitor, maintain, and keep the plan up to date as the demolition progresses. Employers must provide employees with the necessary training, instruction, information and supervision so that they can work safely in the demolition environment. Risks must be assessed before and during the work, and controls implemented in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, so far as is reasonably practicable.
WorkSafe publishes the Compliance Code: Demolition to provide guidance to employers and self-employed persons to ensure that any demolition work is performed in a safe manner.
Read more: Employee killed when concrete floor collapses at a demolition site | WorkSafe Victoria