WHS Update
READ THIS! If you currently hold or want to attain a demolition licence.
Designed for Demolition & Construction Contractors undertaking demolition works.
General Summary of Changes:
SafeWork NSW has announced new regulations for demolition licence holders and named supervisors, effective from 1 March 2025.
Under the new regulations, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) that carries out demolition work must ensure that any person carrying out high-risk work, including demolition work, holds a high-risk work licence for that class of work.
Additionally, from 1 March 2025, a demolition licence holder must nominate a named supervisor for each demolition site where high-risk work, including demolition work, is carried out. The named supervisor must hold a high-risk work licence for the class of high-risk work carried out at the site.
The regulations also require that the named supervisor is present at the demolition site during high-risk work and must have the ability to exercise direct control and supervision over the work. In situations where more than one high-risk work is being carried out, the named supervisor must hold a high-risk work licence for each class of high-risk work being carried out.
The aim of the new regulations is to ensure the safety of workers and the public during demolition work. SafeWork NSW will be working with the demolition industry to support the implementation of these new regulations.
SafeWork NSW reminds all PCBUs that they have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their workers, and that failure to comply with the new regulations may result in regulatory action being taken.
How do you implement these changes?
If you need to make changes to comply with training requirements for demolition workers and supervisors, you can take the following steps:
Determine the specific training requirements & create a skills & training register: Review the training requirements for demolition workers and supervisors set forth by the relevant regulatory body in your jurisdiction. This will help you identify the specific training courses and qualifications required.
Assess your current training programs: Evaluate your current training program to determine what changes need to be made to meet the new requirements. Consider the qualifications of your staff and any gaps in their knowledge and skills.
Develop a plan: Develop a plan to address any gaps in your training program, including identifying what new training courses are required and who needs to take them. You may also need to allocate resources, such as time and budget, to ensure the training can be completed within the required timeframe.
Implement the changes: Implement the necessary changes to your training programs, including providing training to workers and supervisors. Ensure that training records are kept and available for inspection as required.
Monitor and review: Monitor the effectiveness of your new training program and review it regularly to ensure that it continues to meet regulatory requirements and that your workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely.
Remember that compliance is an ongoing process, and you will need to stay up to date with any changes to regulatory requirements and adjust your training program accordingly.
What you need to do:
Supervisors & Leading Hands play a critical role in ensuring a safe and productive workplace. In addition to their technical skills and experience, they require specific training to effectively manage their teams and meet their health and safety obligations.
The specific training required for supervisors can vary depending on the industry and job requirements, but typically includes:
Leadership and management skills: Supervisors need to be able to effectively lead and manage their teams, communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and provide feedback and support to their team members.
Health and safety: Supervisors need to be knowledgeable about health and safety requirements, hazards and risks associated with the work being done, and their responsibilities for ensuring the safety of their team members.
Industry-specific skills: Supervisors may require training on industry-specific skills and knowledge relevant to their job, such as specific regulations, standards, or technical skills.
Legal and regulatory compliance: Supervisors need to be aware of legal and regulatory requirements that impact their job, including employment law, health and safety regulations, and other relevant legislation.
Communication and conflict resolution: Supervisors need to be skilled in communicating with team members, resolving conflicts and addressing issues that arise in the workplace.
In addition to formal training, supervisors may also benefit from on-the-job training and mentoring to develop their skills and knowledge. It is important for employers to ensure that supervisors are appropriately trained and supported to meet their responsibilities and contribute to a safe and productive workplace.
New Mandatory Training Requirement for Demolition Workers
Effective from 1 March 2025, there will be a new mandatory training requirement for demolition workers. Specifically, workers who physically undertake manual demolition work, operate plant or equipment involved in demolition work, or are not directly supervised must complete the course approved by SafeWork NSW: CPCCDE3016 – Identify hazards on demolition sites and apply. This training requirement is one of the 11 units of competency needed for licence holders and/or named supervisors.
It is important to note that the pre-requisite for this course is CPCCWHS2001 – Apply WHS requirements policies and procedures in the construction industry. However, certain individuals, such as truck drivers transporting demolition waste from the site who always remain in the cabin, persons always accompanied by a named supervisor, or any persons not required to enter the demolition site, such as traffic controllers, provided they remain outside of the demolition site, are exempt from this requirement.
If you have prior learning, your registered training organisation (RTO) may consider recognising it. Additionally, you must keep your demolition worker training records and have them available for inspection under 142E from 1 March 2023.
Demolition workers play a critical role in the demolition industry and require specific training to ensure their safety and the safety of others. The following training is typically required for demolition workers:
WHS Training: Demolition workers must receive training in Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, procedures, and regulations to understand their responsibilities and obligations for ensuring a safe work environment.
Identification of hazards: Workers must be able to identify and assess hazards on demolition sites, including identifying hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and mercury.
Safe work practices: Workers must be trained in safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work procedures when working with equipment and machinery.
Risk assessments: Workers must be trained in the process of conducting risk assessments to identify and control potential hazards and risks associated with demolition work.
Equipment operation: Workers who operate plant or equipment involved in demolition work must be trained in the safe operation of that equipment.
First aid: Workers must be trained in basic first aid, including the management of injuries and illnesses that may occur on a demolition site.
In addition to the above, workers may also receive training in specific areas related to their job, such as environmental regulations, building codes, or specific demolition techniques. It is important for employers to ensure that workers are appropriately trained and competent in their job duties to minimize the risk of injury or harm to workers or others on the site.
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