WorkSafe advises workplaces to remain vigilant of the risks associated with asbestos

WorkSafe Advises Workplaces to Remain Vigilant of the Risks Associated with Asbestos

WorkSafe Victoria is advising employers and tradies to prioritise safety measures when managing the risks associated with potentially lethal asbestos, which continues to be present in various workplaces and homes throughout the state.

Duty holders should treat asbestos management as an ongoing safety obligation rather than a one-off task. Regular reviews of detection and handling systems remain essential for protecting workers, tradespeople, and the wider community.

Why Asbestos Management Still Matters

WorkSafe stresses the importance of duty holders using National Asbestos Awareness Week 2024 (25 November-1 December) to review their existing systems for detecting and handling asbestos, in order to protect both workers and the general public.

Unfortunately, workers and their loved ones are still experiencing the devastating impact of asbestos-related illnesses, with over 600 mesothelioma deaths reported annually in Australia, according to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Asbestosis and other respiratory conditions linked to prolonged exposure remain a serious health concern for the construction industry and beyond.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said it is troubling to observe that workers continue to be exposed to asbestos due to a lack of awareness about its existence in their workplaces.

"The tragic consequences of exposure to asbestos fibres have been known for decades and there is no excuse for employers that allow workers or members of the public to be exposed to this silent killer," Mr Jenkin said.

"WorkSafe is urging employers to review their systems and procedures this Asbestos Awareness Week to ensure they are meeting their obligations when it comes to identifying and removing asbestos safely."

Where Asbestos Risk Remains Highest

Older buildings often contain asbestos cement sheeting, pipe insulation, and other legacy building products installed before modern regulations existed. Employees working in renovation, demolition, or maintenance roles face elevated risk when these materials degrade or get disturbed.

Duty holders should ensure insulation materials, roofing, and flooring products are properly assessed before any works begin. A documented management plan helps confirm which areas require specialist control measures and which tasks demand licensed removal contractors.

Building an Effective Asbestos Management System

Effective asbestos management relies on several core practices:

• Conducting thorough site inspections to identify asbestos-containing materials
• Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register accessible to all workers
• Implementing control measures that limit disturbance of friable and bonded materials
• Training workers to recognise potential asbestos risk in daily tasks
• Engaging licensed professionals for removal and disposal

Strong management practices reduce long-term health liabilities and demonstrate genuine commitment to workplace safety. WorkSafe Victoria continues reminding employers that proactive management is far cheaper, and safer, than reactive crisis handling after exposure occurs.

Employer Obligations Under Victorian Law

Businesses operating across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors carry legal duties to manage asbestos risk under Victorian occupational health and safety legislation. Failing to maintain adequate management systems can expose employers to significant penalties, alongside the human cost of preventable illness.

For detailed guidance on developing a compliant asbestos management plan, employers can access templates designed to align with current regulatory expectations. A robust management plan should cover identification, labelling, control, and safe removal products and procedures.

Employers reviewing broader workplace hazards may also benefit from resources covering managing risks of plant in the workplace, since many sites face overlapping safety challenges involving legacy equipment and materials.

Supporting Information and Next Steps

You may find more details by visiting the WorkSafe Victoria website. Employers seeking further information on managing hazardous materials safely should also review guidance published by Safe Work Australia, which outlines national standards for asbestos control and workplace health protections.

Businesses managing multiple site-based risks might also find value in reviewing how other organisations approach hazard management, such as WorkSafe's guidance on managing risks associated with 4-in-1 buckets on skid-steer loaders or structural steel collapse risk management, both of which highlight the value of consistent safety review cycles across Victorian workplaces.