Starting 1 August 2024, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors will begin auditing businesses operating from buildings constructed before 1990 and those likely containing asbestos to ensure compliance with asbestos regulations.
The audit will run until 31 October, focusing on the requirement for asbestos registers and management plans.
What does this mean for you?
If your business premises was built before 1990, ensure you have an asbestos register and management plan in place. A workplace code of practice (PDF, 0.97 MB) is available to provide detailed information and help you achieve the legal standard. 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 2019-2023 (NSP) and the Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland 2022-2025, 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 your company has taken the necessary steps to protect workers and the community and is complying with asbestos regulations.
