World class demolition the AECOM way

The 2016 World Demolition Summit opened on Friday 14 October in Miami with first speaker Tim Barker outlining a vision of a safe, world class demolition industry.

Mr Barker, who is demolition and decommissioning program director at global consultant AECOM, told the 250 delegates about the demanding requirements of US military projects, and the crucial role that safe work practices play in projects.

“If you manage safety well then you are managing the schedule well, and if the schedule is managed then that leads to profitability", he said, "Safety is synonymous with profitabilty."

He also advised contractors to incentivise their workforce to work safely; "If you want to achieve great things, pass the incentives down to the workforce. Work these dollars down to the field and you will see incredible things. Not token gestures."

Earlier, the conference was opened by William Sinclair, president of the European Demolition Association, who said the Summit was the perfect event to learn about innovations and technical advances in the industry and to network with fellow professionals.

The World Demolition Summit is organised by KHL Group and Demolition & Recycling International magazine, and this year in co-operation with the National Demolition Association (NDA).

The headline sponsor for the Summit is Volvo Construction Equipment. Silver sponsor is OilQuick, and bronze sponsors are Arden, Caterpillar, Genesis, Jewell, Kinshofer, LaBounty, Lehnhoff, McCloskey and Rotar.