Plan Ahead for Demolition Site Safety - A look at key elements of an effective safety program

摘要

There are no government statistics isolating the number of fatalities that occur specifically in demolition. However, fatalities in the construction industry overall have remained constant for over 20 years, even as the number of construction projects has quadrupled. The obvious conclusion is that safety awareness has played a huge role in making the industry a safer place to work. Some experts conclude that the very nature of demolition - and its potential for danger - keeps the industry on its toes. Professor Steve Schuette, head of Purdue University's Department of Building Construction Management, which offers a specialization in demolition, believes the demolition industry is more concerned with safety than any other construction sector. "The intense focus that the National Demolition Association's (NDA) members keep on safety is what leads to the industry's excellent safety record," he asserts. Once perceived as a dangerous business, demolition today has become a relatively safe industry. Yet, in order to maintain this achievement, companies new to demolition need to establish safety programs specifically tailored to demolition operations. Perhaps an overview of what constitutes a good, effective safety program is in order.