Issue Date:  -  Friday, 25 August 2006

Demolition business owner fined for lack of licence

The owner of a Mandurah demolition business has been fined $1500 for carrying out demolition work without a licence.

Dean Baker – trading as Peel Demolition – pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court this week.

Mr Baker was charged with performing demolition work without a licence, and also with failing to ensure that a contractor he engaged to perform demolition work held the relevant licence.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the licensing system for demolition work in WA was introduced for very good reasons.

“The licensing of demolition contractors was implemented to help ensure that the hazardous work of demolition would be performed safely,” she said.

“Company owners and employers who hold demolition licences have been through an assessment process to ensure they are familiar with the safety issues and the safe work practices required for demolition work.

“In this case, the contractor engaged by Mr Baker said he had told Mr Baker that he did not hold a demolition licence, but the demolition work went ahead anyway.

“Mr Baker’s own employees were also involved in the demolition work, so the result was that none of the workers were licensed, a potentially dangerous situation.

“The case serves as a reminder to anyone involved in undertaking demolition work that they need to check if the work requires a licence, as they will be leaving themselves open to prosecution if they flout the laws.”

Further information about demolition licences can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.