Asbestos consists of many tiny fibres, which can get into the air when disturbed. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause serious diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Health and safety representatives (HSRs) can play an important role in representing members of their work group and bringing issues, such as the risks from exposure to asbestos, to the attention of the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU; e.g. employers).
Understanding more about asbestos and what PCBUs must do to keep workers and others safe can help HSRs identify when things are not being managed well and when they might want to speak up.
Safe Work Australia, in collaboration with the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, have released a new guide and checklist specifically for HSRs.
These resources aim to assist HSRs to:
recognise asbestos-containing materials and know the risks
advocate for appropriate control measures and safe work practices
promote communication regarding asbestos concerns, and
contribute to a safer work environment.