SafeWork NSW has initiated an enquiry into a partial building structure failure at Burwood, recently. The issue rose following the collapse of a portion of a multi-level commercial establishment at 52-56 Railway Parade during scheduled demolition works yesterday around noon. This incident not only impacted the building section but also affected surrounding scaffolding.
Emergency services were duly alerted owing to strong winds and potential risk of further collapses. Inspectors from SafeWork NSW quickly joined forces with Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Burwood Council, and Public Works engineers, working tirelessly through the night to ensure the area was secured. Thankfully, no injuries among the workers were reported.
Accelerating their investigation efforts while ensuring continued safety work, the SafeWork NSW Inspectors are actively on-site. To maintain order and safety, they have issued notices prohibiting any further demolition operations until confirmed safe for resumption.
Demolition ceaselessly remains a sector of high-risk construction activities. Incidents like these serve as critical reminders to construction and demolition entities about the importance of undertaking such activities with utmost safety. Companies failing to adhere to work health and safety laws including WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS might face penalties or even prosecution.
As part of a new regulation effective from 1st March 2025, all individuals in possession of a demolition license must ascertain their workers have completed the required training for licensed demolition work.
Alleged incidents happening in workplaces can be reported anonymously either by phone at 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Save Lives web portal and app. Up-to-date information regarding managing the risk associated with demolition work is available for workers, employers, and license holders.
SafeWork NSW leader, Trent Curtin, highlighted, “This incident will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, but it’s essential to note that we won’t compromise worker and public safety. Every working individual in the State, irrespective of their job role and residence, deserves to return safely home to their families after work. Our inspectors at SafeWork NSW can and will issue penalties or initiate prosecutions as necessary when our laws are violated. Accessible online resources are also at disposal for businesses, contractors, and site managers to further understand safety regulations during construction and demolition activities using systems like Bluesafe WHS Management System, sparking those necessary safety discussions on the work site.”
Last updated: 19 February 2025
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-investigating-burwood-partial-building-collapse