Safe Work Australia has opened public consultation to seek feedback on the nature and extent of the issues surrounding the definition and requirements of competent persons for asbestos-related tasks.
Workplace exposure to asbestos continues to be a significant health and safety risk, despite a nationwide prohibition on the manufacture, supply, use and import of all forms of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials coming into force in 2003.
Under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, only a "competent person" with relevant training, qualifications or experience can carry out certain asbestos-related tasks in the workplace.
All stakeholders are invited to make a submission, including:
- industry experts on asbestos management
- persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) such as asbestos removalists, asbestos assessors, construction and demolition businesses
- workers
- health and safety representatives and practitioners
- persons with management or control of workplaces where asbestos has been identified.
Public consultation is open until 1 October 2023 on our consultation website Engage.
Go to Engage and submit your comments today.
