Guidance for health and safety representatives: asbestos

This guide provides an overview of asbestos in the workplace to assist health and safety representatives (HSRs) exercise their powers and functions to represent workers in their work group. It is for HSRs in workplaces where the workers they represent may be at risk of exposure to asbestos, focused on the built environment. It does not cover the requirements for those involved in licensed asbestos removal or the management of naturally occurring asbestos.

As an HSR you can play an important role in representing members of your work group and bringing attention to issues such as the risk of exposure to asbestos. You are not expected to ‘fix’ the issue or be an expert on asbestos to exercise your HSR powers and functions.

Understanding more about asbestos can help you identify when things are not being managed well and when you might want to speak up.
 

Supporting information

Safe Work Australia

• Asbestos checklist – for health and safety representatives
• Consultation - information on consultation and the role and function of HSRs
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace
• Model Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos
• Asbestos registers at the workplace guide
• Airborne contaminants hub – includes information for workers on airborne contaminants and the workplace exposure standards/limits