Upcoming asbestos management compliance audits for Queensland businesses:
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors began auditing businesses from the 1st August 2024, where their operating from buildings constructed before 1990. They will be focusing on those likely containing asbestos to ensure compliance with QLD asbestos regulations. The audit will run until 31st October 2024, focusing on the requirement for asbestos registers and management plans.
What you need to do:
Contact your Council business partner, confirm if your venue was built before or after 1990. If before 1990, ensure you have an asbestos register and management plan in place. A workplace code of practice is available to provide detailed information and help you achieve the legal standard. How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace.
Inspectors will address non-compliance with enforcement action, including issuing statutory notices and on-the-spot fines. The statewide audit is part of the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management and the Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland, aiming to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia by preventing exposure to asbestos fibres. This requires the effective targeting of asbestos use and disposal while addressing the harmful legacy of asbestos in homes, workplaces, and the environment.
Last year’s campaign, held from September to November 2023, resulted in 103 improvement notices and 10 infringement notices for the 139 businesses assessed.
Make sure you have taken the necessary steps to protect workers and the community and is complying with asbestos regulations.
Find out more about asbestos registers and management plans Asbestos registers for workplaces.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your one-up manager or contact a member of the Safety Team to discuss.
