WorkSafe probing violations of asbestos laws on demolition sites

WorkSafe ACT Probing Violations of Asbestos Laws on Demolition Sites

Summary: WorkSafe ACT is currently investigating eight PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) over suspected breaches of Work Health and Safety (WHS) law linked to poor asbestos management on demolition and renovation sites. The probe centres on failures to properly identify and remove hazardous material in line with compliance obligations, raising serious health and safety concerns for both tradespeople and homeowners.

What Triggered the WorkSafe ACT Investigation?

WorkSafe Act is currently investigating eight PCBUs for possible violations of the WHS legislation, stemming from their failure to properly identify and remove asbestos in accordance with compliance requirements. This oversight represents a significant lapse in hazardous material management across demolition sites.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius has indicated her surprise at the irresponsible approach and apparent unawareness related to this critical hazard.

Commissioner's Statement on Asbestos Management Failures

"Unfortunately, what we are seeing is complete disregard for the law in relation to safe asbestos management, especially in home renovations. Homeowners should feel comfortable to question tradespersons who are carrying out renovations in their home to ensure removal of asbestos is carried out safely," Ms Agius said.

"This is causing the tragic deaths of thousands of Australians each year. Imagine if electricians working with live wires had a similar attitude?"

Why Proper Asbestos Management Matters for Safety

Effective hazardous material management protects everyone on site — from persons conducting demolition activities to employees carrying out renovation tasks nearby. Poor management practices don't just breach WHS obligations; they put long-term health at risk for workers and residents alike.

Robust management systems should address:

• Identification and documentation of asbestos-containing material before works begin
• Safe handling procedures during demolition and renovation activities
• Clear communication protocols between tradespeople and homeowners
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with WHS legislation

Building a Culture of Safety on Demolition Sites

Strong safety management doesn't happen by accident — it requires deliberate planning, training, and accountability across every level of a project. Businesses working on demolition or renovation sites need documented management processes that address hazardous material risks from the outset, rather than treating asbestos management as an afterthought.

A well-structured Demolition Policy can help PCBUs establish clear safety expectations before work begins, reducing the likelihood of compliance failures like those currently under investigation by WorkSafe ACT.

Resources to Strengthen Asbestos and Demolition Safety Management

Businesses seeking to improve their hazardous material management practices can draw on purpose-built resources, including:

• Asbestos Management Plans to formalise safe handling and removal procedures
• Demolition Management Plans for structured site safety oversight
• Asbestos Safety Documents covering a range of compliance needs
• Asbestos Roof Restoration SWMS for specific high-risk tasks

These management tools support PCBUs in meeting WHS obligations while reinforcing a genuine commitment to worker and public health.

Related WorkSafe Investigations

This isn't an isolated case of regulatory scrutiny. Similar investigations highlight ongoing concerns across the sector, including WorkSafe's probe into an Auckland trench collapse, an inquiry into two workplace fatalities, and WorkSafe WA's investigation into a farm death. Each case underscores the importance of proactive management over reactive compliance.

Additional information is available here.