Recycling and Safety raise their profile

And it was a second Australian debut win. Among Drumderg’s achievements  99.83% of materials diverted from landfill, and more than 15,000 t of concrete crushed.

Drumderg plans its next move at the McMullin Building

Gold sponsor Oilquick’s Kevin Boreen announced winner Drumderg Services, which had clearly made an impression on the judges, who said: “This proved to be a benchmark project, establishing complementary protocols for planning and exceeding best practice environmental, recycling and safety standards across all phases.”

Drumderg’s Steven Fam said on video: “It has been a fantastic project and we’re very proud to take home this award. We wish we could join you from Down Under, where we will continue demolishing.”

Safety and Training brought a third award win for Erith, and more collecting duties for David Sinclair – “the busiest man in Chicago” as awards host Karen Multer described him – this time from gold sponsor Caterpillar.

The Erith submission for Safety and Training had said: “Support was provided to those able to work from home and regular updates provided to all employees directly from the company chairman. Throughout the Covid crisis the company has striven to protect the safety and wellbeing of our employees as well as safeguarding the business for the future.

Erith’s latest step to safety focused on mental health

New innovations in health and safety have been rolled out, including the Step Up Reward Scheme and Buildsafe App, alongside training and continuing professional development, using alternative methods of online classes where possible.”

Of all the categories in the World Demolition Awards, this is the one that reflects ongoing company culture rather than a specific project or initiative.

But Erith clearly tapped into the mood of the times with the focus of its entry, which was recognised by the judges: “The industry has made incredible progress in the health and safety of demolition projects. Erith has taken a bold step to address mental health, which as a global threat is less obvious but just as real.”

• Also shortlisted in Recycling and Environmental: Despe (Italy); Grupo Mitre (Argentina); O’Rourke Wrecking Company (USA); Priestly Demolition (Canada)
• Also shortlisted in Safety and Traning: Cantillon (UK); Despe (ITaly); Grupo Mitre (Argentina); Ward Demolition (New Zealand)