Alert 13 - Stability of buildings and structures

This alert is to advise of the importance of ensuring wall stability of buildings and structures,
including during construction, demolition or refurbishment works.

Background
The collapse of structures may result in death or serious injury to workers and third parties and
may occur in circumstances other than during works.
A recent incident involving the spontaneous collapse of a wall at a federal workplace has
highlighted the need for duty holders to monitor the integrity of the structures under their
management in order to ensure healthy and safe workplaces.

Safety issues
The integrity of structures may be compromised due to:
o

weathering

foundation shifting or deterioration

weakening through direct impact

any combination of these or other factors.

Control measures
Duty holders should:
o

monitor structures under their management

where a structure appears unstable or where an event has occurred likely to impact on
stabilityestablish a suitable exclusion zone until either deemed safe by a competent
person or rectification works are completed

ensure all structural works, including temporary, secondary or adjacent (that is,
excavation), are subject to inspection and written verification of stability by a competent
person

ensure temporary works are subject to inspection by a competent person following

extreme weather or any other incident that might affect stability.

Further information
Model Code of Practice Construction Work
Model Code of Practice Demolition Work
Model Code of Practice Excavation Work
Model Code of Practice Safe Design of Structures