As the job title implies, the job of a demolition foreperson is to demolish and deconstruct building structures that are unsound or unsafe and to ensure that the site is safe for other construction contractors. Let’s have a look at what a career as a demolition foreperson actually involves and where your career as a demolition foreperson can take you.
Working as a Demolition Foreperson
Demolition work can often be dangerous and unpredictable and you will need considerable training, experience and discipline in the course of this role. In general, the role of a demolition foreperson involves:
- Determining what structures are unsafe and unsound using technology and expert advice
- Ensuring the demolition environment is properly secured and marked as hazardous
- Operating equipment such as generators on construction sites to power demolition equipment
- Working with heavy equipment operators on tactical steps to demolish structures and assisting them in the operation of the equipment
- Directing work crews to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the demolition area
- Some experience and knowledge of alternative methods of demolition, such as explosives and mining etc.
Career Path
Your career as a demolition foreperson requires strong organisational skills in order to ensure that the environment is as safe, secure and effective as possible. In order to do this you need to be able to communicate well with others as well as providing them with clear direction. Some of the other trades you can expect to work alongside include.
- Site manager
- Foreperson
- Construction labourer
- Structural engineer
- Health & Safety
- HSE Officer
- QA/QC engineer
- Documents controller
- Site clerk
- Heavy equipment operator
- Logistics technician
- Land surveyor
- Finishing foreperson
Professional qualifications
Demolition workers first and foremost requires SAFEpass accreditation and any other necessary qualifications as per the requirements of the site you are working on. If you have a construction management, construction engineering or civil engineering degree it will be a strong asset. Experience in any relevant construction trades will also be of significant benefit in your career. Having good communication skills and an approachable manner, coupled with an easy to identify leadership style will also make your role work well within the busy demands of a demolition project.
How your career can develop
Your career as a demolition foreperson will develop significantly depending on successful experience. A successful career as a demolition foreperson can see you specialising in particular areas of demolition and overall site management itself. Having a detailed knowledge of some of the most common construction trends will help you identify any issues both early and swiftly. Continuous Professional Development is essential in order to make sure you keep abreast of constantly evolving technology in the areas of demolition, construction and engineering.