SafeWork SA warns tradies about asbestos dangers

SafeWork SA warns tradies about asbestos dangers this month, urging both trade workers and home renovators to think carefully before disturbing suspect building materials. Asbestos was banned in Australia two decades ago, yet hazardous fibres remain hidden in countless older properties across the country.

Australia will mark the 20th anniversary of the ban during National Asbestos Awareness Week 2023, running from 20-26 November. This year's campaign carries the theme "Think Twice About Asbestos", reinforcing a message that safety professionals have championed for years.

Why Asbestos Awareness Still Matters

Statistics indicate roughly 4000 people die each year from asbestos related diseases in Australia. That figure alone explains why Queenslanders reminded about the dangers of asbestos and other state campaigns continue pushing hard on public education.

Younger tradies carry a particular blind spot here — many never worked directly with asbestos products before the ban, so recognising hazardous materials on site isn't second nature for them. Older renovators face a different challenge: assuming a material is safe simply because it's been undisturbed for decades.

SafeWork SA's Interactive Forum

As part of this year's campaign, SafeWork SA will present a one-hour interactive forum on asbestos management on Monday 20 November from 1pm. The session aims to build practical safety knowledge among attendees, covering how to identify risks before starting demolition or renovation tasks.

Forum organisers stress that control measures should always come first when hazardous materials are suspected. Read more here for registration details and full program information.

Protecting Health on Every Job Site

Health outcomes tied to asbestos exposure often take decades to surface, which makes early awareness so critical for anyone working in older buildings. SafeWork SA's push aligns with similar efforts, including NT tradies reminded to 'think twice' about asbestos, showing a consistent national approach to workplace safety messaging.

For trade businesses wanting to strengthen their own site safety, our Asbestos Management Plans provide structured guidance for identifying and controlling exposure risks. Comprehensive Asbestos Safety Documents can also help crews document control processes and demonstrate compliance on every project.