How ISO 45001 Could Have Averted the Teesside Demolition Fatalities

In February 2024, a fatal accident during a demolition project in Teesside sent shockwaves through the UK construction and industrial sectors. A worker lost his life while dismantling a redundant structure, prompting investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into potential breaches of health and safety regulations. The case highlighted once again the life-or-death importance of robust occupational health and safety procedures - particularly in high-risk sectors like demolition, construction, and heavy engineering.

This tragic event is a stark reminder that while the UK has made significant progress in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities over the past two decades, complacency is not an option. For businesses seeking to protect their workers, reduce legal and financial risks, and create a safety-first culture, ISO 45001:2018 offers a comprehensive and proactive framework.

What Is ISO 45001 and Why Does It Matter?

ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It helps organisations of all sizes and sectors create systems that identify hazards, reduce risks, and implement preventative controls - before accidents occur.

Unlike tick-box approaches to compliance, ISO 45001 is built on continuous improvement and employee involvement. It doesn’t just help businesses meet legal requirements - it helps embed health and safety into daily operations.

In the context of the Teesside incident, having an ISO 45001-certified management system in place could have supported more effective risk assessment, safer method statements, better contractor control, and a structured review of demolition plans - all of which are critical to preventing such an incident.

How ISO 45001 Could Have Helped in This Case

1. Enhanced Risk Assessment Procedures

ISO 45001 requires organisations to assess occupational health and safety risks with input from relevant workers and experts. In high-risk environments like demolition sites, this includes analysing potential hazards from collapsing structures, unstable surfaces, and equipment use. A robust ISO 45001 system ensures such risks are identified and mitigated before work begins.

2. Stronger Contractor and Subcontractor Control

A common gap in many incidents is the inconsistent management of subcontractors. ISO 45001 promotes structured oversight of third-party workers, ensuring they are trained, competent, and working under the same safety standards as internal teams. This could have improved supervision and control in the Teesside project.

3. Emergency Preparedness and Response

ISO 45001 requires organisations to develop and test emergency plans. In the case of an unexpected structural collapse or incident on-site, having a rehearsed and accessible plan can reduce the severity of injury and ensure swift, coordinated response - potentially saving lives.

4. Worker Participation and Communication

The standard emphasises engaging workers in identifying risks and suggesting improvements. Workers often spot practical issues before management does. Encouraging this dialogue could have led to earlier detection of unsafe practices or structural concerns on-site.

The Broader Business Case for ISO 45001

Beyond incident prevention, implementing ISO 45001 brings significant benefits:

• ✅ Legal Compliance: Stay ahead of HSE regulations and avoid enforcement action or fines.

• ✅ Reputational Protection: Demonstrate your commitment to employee welfare and duty of care.

• ✅ Insurance Advantages: Reduced incident rates can lead to lower insurance premiums.

• ✅ Improved Morale and Retention: Staff feel valued and protected in ISO 45001-certified workplaces.

• ✅ Competitive Advantage: Many clients, particularly in construction and public sector work, now require ISO 45001 as a condition for tenders.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Safety

The Teesside tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for any business operating in high-risk sectors. Health and safety is not just a compliance issue - it’s a fundamental part of ethical business practice and long-term sustainability.

By implementing ISO 45001, businesses can move from reactive to proactive safety management, creating systems that are not only compliant but also tailored to their specific risks, workforce, and industry.

Lives depend on it.

Don't wait any longer. Sign up to a Certification Audit with AAA and take the first step towards achieving ISO 45001 certification.