Demolition company fined $125,000 after wall collapse

Melbourne Demolition Group Pty Ltd was sentenced ex-parte in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday after being found guilty of two charges of failing to ensure that the workplace was safe and without risks to health.

The company was also ordered to pay $6,000 in costs.

In January 2025, a decision was made to use an excavator to remove the first-floor slab of the Malvern Road building, which workers noticed had cracked and was dropping following demolition works the previous day.

As the excavator went to pull down the slab, the wall below and remaining building material on the first level collapsed and fell against scaffolding which was acting as a pedestrian gantry and onto the footpath in front of a neighbouring property.

A WorkSafe investigation later established there was a high likelihood of the collapse during the demolition process given the progressive removal of the building's structural support, observed signs of distress, the method of induced collapse and the lack of adequate temporary support.

It was reasonably practicable for the company to eliminate or reduce the risk of a collapse by following demolition methodology to demolish the first level down to the first floor prior to the removal of the slab; and to cease all works when the instability was noticed and to contact a structural engineer for advice.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Safety Sam Jenkin said demolishing buildings and structures posed many risks including unexpected collapses and falling objects.

"These actions created a clear safety risk to not only the workers involved but pedestrians and neighbouring shopkeepers which is completely unacceptable," Mr Jenkin said.

"Before undertaking any demolition of structures or buildings it is critical to have a clear plan in place and consult with a structural engineer experienced in demolition work to maximise the safety of all involved."

To reduce the risk of an unexpected structural collapse, employers should:

• Engage a suitably competent person like a structural engineer experienced in demolition work. They should assess if:
  • demolishing the building or structure may cause any specific structural stability issues
  • any temporary structural support is needed.
• Before the demolition begins, have a plan for the demolition works. This includes both the:
  • proposed method
  • sequence of demolition.
• Use temporary structural supports in areas where employees need access. This will maintain the stability of the building or structure throughout demolition.
• Establish and maintain exclusion zones to prevent people from entering potentially unsafe work areas. This includes in or around unsupported structures.