SafeWork NSW investigates partial collapse of 10-storey building in Sydney

(PHOTO: Reuters/Australian Broadcasting Corp)

The incident took place at approximately midday on 22 January 2025 at 52-56 Railway Parade, where a section of the 10-storey building collapsed, affecting scaffolding. Strong winds and the risk of further collapse led to emergency services being called to the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, SafeWork NSW inspectors worked alongside Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Burwood Council, and engineers from Public Works to secure the site. 

Since then, inspectors have issued notices to ensure demolition work is conducted safely and have prohibited further demolition until it is deemed safe to continue.

In a statement, SafeWork NSW Head Trent Curtin said: “While this incident will need to be thoroughly investigated, SafeWork NSW is putting demolition businesses on notice that we will not accept them putting worker and public safety at risk.”

He added, “Every worker in the State, regardless of what they do and where they live, should expect to go home to their family at the end of every working day and SafeWork NSW Inspectors have the power to and will issue penalty notices or, when necessary, initiate prosecutions when our laws are broken.”

SafeWork NSW has reminded businesses of the risks associated with demolition work and has warned that failure to comply with work health and safety laws could result in fines or prosecution.

From 1 March 2025, demolition licence holders will be required to ensure workers have completed prescribed training if undertaking licensed demolition work.

Initial news report from the time of the incident: