Edition 41, December 2006

Western Australian demolition business operator fined for lack of demolition licence

The operator of a demolition business in Western Australia has been fined $1200 for carrying out demolition work without a licence.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne says that the licensing system for demolition work in Western Australia was introduced to help ensure that the hazardous work of demolition would be performed in a safe manner.

Company owners and operators and employers who hold demolition licences have been through an assessment process to ensure they are familiar with the safety issues and the safe work practices required for demolition work.

In this case, the demolition work undertaken at the Northam Race Club involved a two-storey building and a race observation tower 10 or more metres high; work that could only legally have been performed by a licensed person. Neither the business operator, nor any person he engaged to assist him in the work, had been issued with either a Class 1 or Class 2 demolition licence.

Anyone involved in undertaking demolition work needs to check if the work requires a licence, or they will be leaving themselves open to prosecution.

For more information on demolition licences:

  • Western Australia: phone WorkSafe WA on (08) 9327 8777, or visit the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
  • New South Wales: visit Workcover NSW at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications  (Select 'Licensing, registration and notification' > 'Asbestos, fibro and demolition' > 'Demolition licensing'.)
  • Tasmania: visit Workplace Standards Tasmania at www.wst.tas.gov.au  (Select 'Licensing' > 'Demolition licensing regulation'.)

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