When the great and the good of the global demolition industry sit down to select a winner for their next “contribution to demolition award”, the first name on their list should be Paul Ford of Deconstruct.
To the best of my knowledge, he doesn’t subscribe to industry associations and memberships. But trust me when I tell you that he has today made a significant contribution to the sum of industry knowledge and, thereby, the safety and wellbeing of those working in and around the demolition business.
Today marks the official launch of Ford’s book: Dangerous Structure, Emergency Response. The book charts Ford’s career, during which he has helped make safe or demolish hundreds of dangerous structures ranging from a garden wall to fire-damaged houses. Based upon that experience, Ford was the first civilian to enter Grenfell Tower following the blaze that claimed the lives of more than 70 residents.
Together with his team, he remains actively involved with Grenfell Tower to this day.
Now, he has written a superb new book that charts his career, and the key challenges of Grenfell and other dangerous structures.
While the book should now be considered the go-to guide for anyone dealing with a dangerous structure, the book is much more than a dry demolition text-book. Indeed, the book contains a huge amount of humanity, honesty and even humour.
Perhaps just as importantly, all the proceeds from the book will be split between Grenfell Tower charities and the Mates in Mind charity for mental health awareness in the construction and demolition industry.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy and I can tell you that I have now read it twice: the first time for review purposes; the second for enjoyment.
You can buy the book HERE but, given the nature and the importance of the book and given that Christmas is fast-approaching, and given that ALL the proceeds are going to charity, I urge you to buy more than one. Keep one in the office, keep one at home, give them to your colleagues or anyone that might find themselves dealing with a dangerous structure.
You can watch a video of my exclusive interview with Paul Ford below. Alternatively, if you’re of the podcast persuasion, you can listen to the interview here.
Oh, and if you’re the person responsible for giving out industry awards, may I publicly nominate Paul Ford. No-one will match his contribution any time soon.
