A site-specific safety plan (SSSP) is a written document that identifies the hazards present on a particular worksite and explains exactly how those hazards will be controlled. For demolition work in New Zealand, having a solid SSSP isn't just good practice — in many cases it's a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).
What Is a Site-Specific Safety Plan?
Unlike a generic company health and safety policy, an SSSP is tailored to the unique conditions of one specific job. It covers the actual hazards on your property — things like the building's age, construction materials, site access, neighbouring properties, and the sequence of demolition work planned.
A well-prepared SSSP typically includes:
- Site details — address, site layout, and a description of the structure to be demolished
- Hazard identification — a thorough list of risks such as asbestos, lead paint, structural instability, underground services, and falling debris
- Control measures — how each hazard will be eliminated or minimised
- Emergency procedures — what to do if something goes wrong, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts
- Roles and responsibilities — who is in charge of safety on site
- Subcontractor management — how other trades working on site will be managed
- Notifiable work details — if the project triggers notification requirements to WorkSafe NZ
When Is an SSSP Required for Demolition?
In New Zealand, demolition is classified as high-risk construction work under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016. This means a Health and Safety Plan must be prepared before work begins whenever the project involves:
- Demolition of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the building
- Work where there is a risk of a person falling more than 3 metres
- Work involving hazardous substances such as asbestos or lead
- Any notifiable work — generally projects lasting more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceeding 500 person-days of work
For most residential demolitions — even knocking down a single garage or sleepout — a contractor should still prepare an SSSP as a matter of professional practice and legal duty of care, even if formal notification to WorkSafe isn't triggered.
Asbestos: A Critical Part of Any Demolition Safety Plan
If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there is a real chance it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, an asbestos survey must be completed before any demolition begins, and the findings must be incorporated into the SSSP.
Removal of friable (crumbly) asbestos must be carried out by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist, and WorkSafe must be notified at least five working days before that work starts. This is non-negotiable — asbestos exposure is one of the leading causes of work-related death in New Zealand. Check WorkSafe NZ's guidance on asbestos for the full requirements.
Building Consents and Your Safety Plan
Demolition often requires a building consent from your local council. While the SSSP is a health and safety document rather than a building consent document, councils may ask to see evidence that hazardous materials have been identified and managed before they issue consent. Always check with your council early — consent requirements vary depending on the size and type of structure. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on when consents are required and what Schedule 1 exemptions may apply.
Who Prepares the Safety Plan?
The principal contractor (the main demolition contractor you hire) is legally responsible for preparing and implementing the SSSP. As a homeowner acting as your own project manager, you may technically take on the role of principal contractor — which means the legal responsibility for the SSSP could fall on you. This is one of the strongest reasons to engage a qualified demolition contractor rather than managing the project yourself.
A reputable contractor will:
- Conduct a pre-demolition survey
- Prepare the SSSP before any work starts
- Brief all workers and subcontractors on its contents
- Keep the plan updated if site conditions change
What Happens If There Is No Safety Plan?
Working without an SSSP when one is required is a breach of the HSWA and can result in significant fines for both the contractor and the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) — which can include you as the homeowner if you directed the work. More importantly, the absence of a safety plan dramatically increases the risk of serious injury or death on site.
When to Call a Professional
Demolition is inherently dangerous work. Even small jobs can involve structural collapse risk, hidden services (gas, electrical, plumbing), and hazardous materials. You should always engage a qualified demolition contractor who:
- Holds appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- Has experience preparing SSSPs and managing demolition hazards
- Understands their obligations under the HSWA and relevant regulations
- Is familiar with Licensed Building Practitioners requirements where restricted building work is involved
You can find experienced, vetted demolition contractors in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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