Workplace safety watchdog set to audit Queensland businesses to ensure compliance with asbestos management regulations

Workplace Safety Watchdog Set to Audit Queensland Businesses to Ensure Compliance With Asbestos Management Regulations

From 1 August 2024, inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will begin reviewing businesses located in buildings built prior to 1990, plus those that may have asbestos, to verify they follow current asbestos safety rules. This auditing effort forms part of a broader push to strengthen workplace safety standards across Queensland.

The audit will continue until 31 October, with a specific focus on requirements for asbestos registers and management plans. Queensland businesses operating in older buildings should prepare documentation now, rather than waiting for an inspector's visit.

Why This Audit Matters for Queensland Businesses

Buildings constructed before 1990 carry a higher likelihood of containing asbestos-related materials. Under existing legislation, owners and operators must maintain accurate registers identifying where such materials exist, alongside a current management plan outlining control measures.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors will check whether businesses meet these obligations. Failure to produce adequate documentation during an inspection may result in compliance action, so reviewing records ahead of a visit remains a sensible precaution.

Strategic Plans Driving the Compliance Push

This comprehensive audit covers two key frameworks: 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.

Together, these plans aim to eradicate asbestos-related illnesses across Australia by preventing exposure to asbestos fibres. Consistent enforcement of legislation governing asbestos management remains central to achieving that goal, particularly as older commercial and industrial buildings continue operating well beyond their original design life.

What Businesses Should Do Now

Companies operating in pre-1990 structures should take proactive steps ahead of any inspection visit:

• Confirm an asbestos register exists and reflects current building conditions
• Review the management plan for accuracy and ensure it addresses identified risks
• Check that documentation aligns with obligations under relevant legislation
• Seek professional advice where asbestos-containing materials remain unconfirmed

Businesses seeking guidance on documentation can review our asbestos management plan templates, developed to help organisations across Australia meet regulatory obligations efficiently.

Related Compliance Activity Across Australia

Queensland's audit follows similar enforcement trends nationally. Businesses should note that SafeWork NSW's construction blitz aims to ensure compliance with comparable safety standards, reflecting a wider national focus on workplace risk management.

For readers wanting further background on this initiative, our earlier coverage on the asbestos compliance initiative focused on Queensland businesses provides additional detail on inspection scope and timing.

Stay Informed

Keeping pace with workplace safety news helps businesses avoid unexpected compliance gaps. Subscribing to reliable industry news sources, alongside regular review of applicable legislation, gives operators confidence that documentation remains current.

For more workplace safety news and updates on regulatory activity, visit the official Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website. Businesses attending industry events can also learn more at the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Learn more here.