Today, demolition is a highly specialised discipline within the construction industry, driven by state-of-the-art technology, meticulous planning, and rigorous safety standards.

The outdated perception of demolition as a crude and chaotic process is long gone. Modern demolition requires planning, precision, environmental responsibility, and technical expertise. Employing qualified and certified demolition operatives is not only a regulatory requirement but a fundamental necessity to ensure the safety of workers, surrounding structures, and the broader environment.

The High-Risk Nature of Demolition Work

Demolition work characteristically carries significant risks. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction sector reported 45 fatal injuries to workers in 2022/23, marking an increase from the five-year average of 37 fatalities. This highlights the dangers present in the construction world, particularly when it comes to demolition, where structural issues and hazardous materials are common.

Demolition sites often involve working with heights, handling heavy machinery, and exposure to harmful substances like asbestos and lead. These factors contribute to the complexity and danger of demolition tasks, emphasising the need to employ accredited companies to carry out these works.

The Role of Certification and Training

In the UK, it is mandatory that all demolition operatives possess the appropriate Certification of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO) card. This certification ensures that workers have undergone rigorous training and assessment, equipping them with the necessary skills to perform demolition tasks safely, efficiently and effectively.

Accredited companies must have a workforce that can provide a full training history for all employees. All workers would be trained to identify and control potential hazards, adhere to safety regulations, and execute demolition plans with precision. Their expertise is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring that demolition projects proceed without incident.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

Beyond safety, employing qualified and accredited demolition companies, has economic and environmental benefits. Properly trained workers are more efficient, reducing project timelines and associated costs. They are also taught to manage waste and recycle materials, contributing to environmental sustainability.

The latest UK Government statistics on waste, published in 2022, illustrate that England generated 63.0 million tonnes of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste. 59.4 million tonnes of this waste was recovered, representing a recovery rate of 94.3%.  Accredited companies play a significant role in achieving such high recovery rates by effectively processing waste materials.

So why hire accredited demolition companies?

The importance of hiring qualified and accredited demolition companies cannot be overlooked and those working in the construction industry need to be educated on the importance of hiring accredited demolition businesses to carry out their work. Their expertise ensures not only the safety of the workforce and the public but also contributes to the efficiency and environmental responsibility of construction projects. It is imperative that those in the construction industry are aware of the risks associated with hiring non accredited companies and continue their education surrounding best practices in the industry. As the construction industry continues to evolve, prioritising the employment of certified demolition professionals needs to remain a cornerstone of best practices.

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors will be running a series of seminars across the country, starting in June and concluding in November, tailored to provide the construction industry with the critical knowledge required to plan safe, compliant, and successful demolition projects. Developed in collaboration with key industry bodies, the seminars will support clients tendering demolition works and highlight essential safety and contractual considerations. To find out more, visit: https://demolition-nfdc.com/news/industry/nfdc-talks-intelligent-demolition-seminars/.