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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how demolition risks are identified and managed at work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions before or during demolition tasks. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices on demolition sites.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for demolition activities. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices manage risks effectively and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Demolition work often involves multiple high-risk activities happening at the same time. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when structures, services, and site conditions are changing. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how demolition work is actually planned and carried out rather than how it is expected to occur. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real site conditions, sequencing, and supervision.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work stages or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how demolition risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written documents. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied as work progresses. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that demolition risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of work are covered by demolition work?
Demolition work includes partial or full removal of structures, fixtures, or building elements. The checklist helps review how risks are managed during these activities.
Is this checklist only for large demolition projects?
No. It is suitable for small and medium demolition jobs as well, including refurbishment and strip-out work.
Does completing the checklist make demolition work safe?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should demolition risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful before work starts, when stages change, or when unexpected conditions are found. Many businesses also review regularly.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s142–s143 – Demolition Work – Establishes duties relating to planning, notification, and safe conduct of demolition work activities.
Regulation s299–s303 – High Risk Construction Work and SWMS – Sets requirements for high risk construction work, including preparation and implementation of safe work method statements during demolition.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.