Structural collapse toolbox talk

What it is

Walls, frames, floors, ceilings, shafts, platforms or temporary works that give way or move unexpectedly during construction, demolition or alteration.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Have an engineer assess the structure and the work sequence before demolition or alteration, and follow their written method.
2. Design and install temporary works, such as props, bracing, shoring and formwork, to the engineer's plan and have them checked before anyone works near them.
3. Do not remove, move or alter props, braces or load-bearing elements without engineering approval, and tag temporary works so tampering is obvious.
4. Set exclusion zones around structures at risk of collapse, and keep people and plant out of the fall zone.
5. Inspect structures and temporary works at the start of each shift and after wind, rain, impact or vibration, and stop work if anything has moved or cracked.
6. Limit loads on floors, roofs and platforms to their rated capacity, and keep stored materials and plant away from unsupported edges and walls.

Questions for the crew

1. Where could structural collapse come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Have an engineer assess the structure and the work sequence before demolition or alteration, and follow their written method”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for structural collapse are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of structural collapse, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?