Originally published by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety
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, which will run from 1 August until 31 October 2024, will focus on the requirements for asbestos registers and management plans.
Business premises built before 1990 are required to have an asbestos register and management plan in place, and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said a workplace code of practice is available to provide detailed information and assist with compliance.
The regulator said 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 effectively targeting asbestos use and disposal while addressing its harmful legacy in homes, workplaces, and the environment.
Last year’s campaign, held from September to November 2023, resulted in 103 improvement notices and ten infringement notices for the 139 businesses assessed.
