NSW encourages workplaces to maintain safety during this National Asbestos Awareness Week

In short: The NSW Government urges workplaces across the state to stay alert to fibre exposure risks during National Asbestos Awareness Week, held Monday 24 November to Sunday 30 November, with sharp focus on construction, maintenance and demolition sites where legacy building products get disturbed.

Data reveals that more than 4,000 Australians succumb each year to illnesses associated with asbestos exposure.

Why this week carries weight for duty holders

The national awareness period highlights the critical importance of safety in handling materials potentially containing asbestos, from cement sheeting through to insulation products hidden inside older structures.

During 2024-2025, approximately 126 cases of asbestosis and 269 diagnoses of mesothelioma were reported in New South Wales. Fatalities linked to both diseases reached 213.

What regulators are asking of employers

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer stated that throughout the week, the safety watchdog encourages anyone handling asbestos to remain informed, understand their rights, and rely on professionals.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, said it is the duty of employers to guarantee that their workers comply with safe procedures while working with asbestos, as this represents the optimal approach to prevent harmful exposure.

Where risks concentrate on site

Anyone working near building products manufactured before 1990 should assume asbestos may be present until a competent person confirms otherwise. Danger escalates once fibres release through cutting, drilling, sanding or demolition.

• Refurbishment and strip-out tasks — vinyl tiles, cement sheets and insulation board frequently sit concealed behind newer finishes.
• Roofing and gutter upkeep — weathered sheeting sheds fibres under foot traffic or pressure cleaning.
• Partial demolition — surveys belong in the schedule well before machinery arrives.
• Urgent repairs — time pressure tempts crews into skipping identification steps.
• Home renovations — DIY renovators face hazards identical to those met by qualified trades.

Five practical steps for workplaces

1. Review your asbestos register and management plan before intrusive maintenance or demolition work begins.
2. Confirm everyone working on site can spot suspect materials and knows who to notify immediately.
3. Check that documented safe work method statements match the tasks crews will genuinely perform.
4. Engage accredited specialists rather than tackling higher-risk jobs in-house.
5. Record health monitoring arrangements and keep exposure histories current for affected personnel.

Documentation that backs up safe practice

Sound paperwork gives supervisors a defensible record and gives crews clarity before tools come out. Our asbestos safety documents and ready-to-use asbestos safety packages suit builders, facility managers and demolition contractors.

Widely used templates include the Asbestos Awareness SWMS plus our Asbestos Safety – Working in Roofs SWMS, each editable in Word and PDF. Pair documentation with safety software so sign-offs, inspections and corrective actions stay traceable.

Where to find credible guidance

Official direction sits with SafeWork NSW, whose resources explain notification duties, exposure controls and worker rights. The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency publishes national resources aimed at duty holders, tradespeople and homeowners alike.

Related reading

• Australians urged to prioritise asbestos safety during National Asbestos Awareness Week
• NSW reminds everyone to stay alert throughout the awareness period
• SafeWork encourages workplaces to prioritise safety of young employees during NSW Youth Week

Sustained vigilance protects long-term health outcomes for teams working across residential builds, refurbishments and demolition projects. Find out more here.