Nov 30th 2023 |
Safe Work Australia’s Quarterly newsletter published
Safe Work Australia's Quarterly Newsletter Published for November
Safe Work Australia's Quarterly newsletter has been published for the November edition, giving safety professionals a clear snapshot of the federal agency's recent priorities. The update covers leadership changes, asbestos policy, and fresh workplace health statistics.
Below is a summary of what's inside:
- A welcome message from incoming CEO Marie Boland
- An explanation of why Safe Work Australia backs the ban on asbestos-containing engineered stone
- Updated workplace health and safety statistics across Australia
What Does the Newsletter Cover?
This edition highlights activities the federal safety body has undertaken over the past three months to improve workplace health outcomes nationwide. It also reflects on how these efforts connect to broader safe work method statements practices already used across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
Readers will find details on the engineered stone ban, a decision driven largely by asbestos-related risk concerns and mounting evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious respiratory illness. Engineered stone products historically contained high silica content, and Safe Work Australia's position reflects growing recognition that asbestos exposure, alongside silica dust, poses long-term health hazards for tradespeople.
New Leadership at Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland said, "As I step into the role as Safe Work Australia CEO, I acknowledge the important work that has been managed and facilitated by my predecessor, Michelle Baxter."
"I know that the staff at Safe Work Australia, and the organisations and people we work with, are all deeply committed to bettering the working lives of all Australians, and I look forward to working together with you all over the next five years."
Why Asbestos Remains a Priority Health Risk
Asbestos continues to feature prominently in national workplace health discussions, and this newsletter is no exception. Historical asbestos use in building materials means many sites still carry residual risk, particularly during demolition or refurbishment work.
Safe Work Australia's stance links directly to ongoing efforts to eliminate asbestos-related disease, a goal shared with bodies such as the Safe Work Australia website, which maintains detailed guidance on managing legacy asbestos hazards.
For organisations managing sites with potential asbestos contamination, having accurate rigging safe work procedures in place reduces exposure risk substantially during high-risk tasks.
Accessing Safety Resources and Further Reading
Safe Work Australia provides ongoing resources to help employers and workers stay compliant with current standards. These resources include statistical reports, compliance guidance, and updates on emerging risk factors across various industries.
Businesses working with tools such as jigsaws or linishers should also review relevant documentation, including the Jigsaw Safe Work Method Statement and Linisher Safe Work Method Statement, to maintain compliance with current workplace safety expectations.
The November 2023 edition of Safe Work Australia's Quarterly news update is accessible here.
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