On a daily basis, demolition operators handle tools and machines of all sizes that can, and do, cause great damage if handled incorrectly. A sector with such great risks in daily work as demolition should have some form of overseeing institution that ensures that safeguards are in place in order to provide a safer workplace. Other sectors of the construction industry have this type of organisation or global body that works to increase safety through increased awareness and education. A very good example is the federation IPAF, which works with security issues regarding the handling of access equipment. Scores of manufacturers, trainers and rental companies worldwide are affiliated with IPAF. Something similar should exist for the demolition industry globally. 

I know that many manufacturers really take safety issues seriously in the development and maintenance of their products. Safety issues are also a priority issue among our various industry associations. But it feels as if the industry associations and manufacturers are pulling in different directions, with the actual users of the equipment being left out, and they are the ones who ultimately have to pay the price.

Of course, it is in the interests and the responsibility of the users to learn how to handle tools and machines correctly so that they are not exposed to the risk of injury. There should however be a shared responsibility to find ways for those working in the demolition industry to better protect themselves and eliminate risks of injuries that often have had a fatal outcome. As I said, it works locally within industry associations and with the manufacturers, but I feel that there should be an international body that ties together all the safety know-how that exists and that it can be conveyed in an effective way to those who work with the equipment.

It is possible that I am completely wrong and creating such a global safety training unit is an impossibility considering how many types of demolition methods there are, and so many different types of tools and equipment that are used incorrectly on a daily basis. I do believe that it should be possible to scale down the work based on a number of criteria, with basic training of the most commonly used methods provided and the creation of routines that aim to reduce accidents. Maybe this body already exists and I have never heard of it. The point is that manufacturers, trade associations, contractors, trainers, lessors, etc. should be included as members of this type of international organisation to improve safety for everyone. 

As an international trade magazine, we would like to be part of such a project. It was just a thought and I appreciate your comments.

Jan Hermansson
Editor-in-Chief
jan.hermansson@pdworld.com