A very frequent experience on not only construction sites but industrial sites as well is failure to perform an engineering survey prior to performing demolition work. The attached link discusses a parking lot garage collapse due to not following a written demolition plan. Obviously, not only does a demolition plan need to be prepared — it needs to be followed. OSHA 1926.850 requires a demolition plan for demolishing a building as well as for removing walls or any part of a building structure that may affect a structure’s integrity.
OSHA Construction standard requiring demolition plan: 1926.850(a)
Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed.
In summary, always have an engineering survey performed prior to commencing any work that may impact a structure’s integrity and potentially injure employees.