Demolition work

Demolition work carries a high risk of injury for workers in the construction industry. Safe work procedures for demolition work must be developed by employers. Employers must also ensure that workers are trained and comply with the procedures.

Employers have a duty and a responsibility to ensure the safety of all their workers and can also develop specific terms of reference for hazards related to the type of demolition work they are performing. Some of these hazards could include:

• unplanned structure collapse
• falls from one level to another
• falling objects
• the location of above and underground utilities, including overhead lines, underground gas pipes and electrical and telecommunication lines. Sewage pipes and water lines can burst if not shut off
• exposure to hazardous chemicals that may be present in demolition material (such as asbestos or asbestos-containing materials) or in the ground where demolition work is being carried out (contaminated sites)
• hazardous noise from plants or explosives used in demolition work
• the proximity of the building or structure being demolished to other buildings

Note that asbestos must be removed from a building before a demolition occurs. The building owner or the employer (e.g., builder, demolition contractor) must retain a competent person (typically a consultant) to complete an asbestos inventory and control plan before conducting work where asbestos may be disturbed. Employers or owners must notify the director of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch at least five calendar days before beginning the work to alter, renovate or demolish a building or structure where asbestos may be released into the atmosphere. The notification form is accessible on the Workplace Safety and Health Branch website.