Lang, Michael Charles

Contributing factors

• Removal of approximately 500mm of concrete from top of headstock
• Removal of critical top reinforcing steel bars from headstock
• Lack of structural engineering oversight during demolition execution
• Absence of technical drawings for the structure being demolished
• Insufficient supervision of demolition workers by competent persons
• Work method statements focused on safety hazards rather than structural viability
• Inadequate monitoring of actual demolition execution versus approved work plans
• Workers lacked understanding of structural implications of concrete removal
• Divergence between planned method (cherry picker access) and executed method (workers on structure)
• Inadequate investigation of structure prior to commencing demolition
• No ongoing engineering review of how demolition was being carried out

Coroner's recommendations

1. Workplace Health and Safety should work with the construction industry to develop a policy to improve monitoring of licensed demolition contractors to ensure actual adherence to Australian Standard AS2601-2001 during demolitions
2. Demolition contractors must obtain and review structural drawings before commencing work; if unavailable, extra care and supervision must be implemented
3. A competent structural engineer should supervise demolition execution and review actual work against planned methods, particularly where deviations from work method statements occur
4. Work method statements should address both safety hazards and structural viability of the demolition method
5. Continuous on-site monitoring must assess both how work should be safely carried out and whether it is actually being carried out safely
6. Workers involved in demolition must be trained to understand when expert knowledge is required and the structural implications of their work