I run a construction company. My workers recently worked on a demolition for a residential premise where they discovered asbestos. What are my WHS obligations to keep my workers safe?
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Answer by Shamaila Khan, Kingsville 3012 VIC
- It is against the law to allow or direct workers to carry out work involving asbestos.
- All workers should be immediately stopped from carrying out work and taken offsite until the asbestos is removed.
- A licensed asbestos removalist should be engaged to visit the site and determine the presence of asbestos and if present remove the asbestos and dispose of it safely.
- If one of your workers is a licensed asbestos removalist you must provide them with appropriate health monitoring before they commence any asbestos removal work.
- If you hire a contractor to carry out the removal work you must obtain evidence from them to demonstrate that they are licenced to remove asbestos prior to allowing them to commence work.