OZ and NZ work together on demolition safety

Demolition and Asbestos work has been identified by Australia's and New Zealand's heads of workplace safety authorities as an area of significant risk requiring a coordinated approach within the construction industry.

The workplace safety authorities have joined forces to mount a coordinated campaign of inspector visits to demolition sites throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The campaign will run from 20 February 2006 to 31 March 2006 targeting residential demolition sites, commercial demolition sites and asbestos removal work associated with any of these demolition sites.

Inspectors will pay particular attention to issues such as:

• public protection;
• site supervision;
• planning for demolition work;
• work at heights; and
• asbestos removal activities.

• All detected instances of immediate risk or non-compliance will result in appropriate compliance and enforcement action.

  Advice and information on ensuring a compliant Demolition and Asbestos worksite is available from WA's WorkSafe.

  Copies of these documents can be downloaded from WorkSafe's website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au