Safe Work Australia is undertaking a comprehensive review of the model WHS asbestos framework, including the model WHS Regulations, Codes of Practice, guidance and the model WHS Act where relevant. This review aims to identify opportunities to strengthen asbestos risk control and management, and to prioritise asbestos removal. Public consultation will be conducted to inform this review. Please visit our Asbestos Framework Review Consultation Hub for more information.
Understanding more about asbestos and what the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU; e.g. your employer), and the person with management or control of the workplace (e.g. site manager) must do to manage the risks of exposure can help you identify when things are not being managed well and when you might want to speak up.
Your PCBU must eliminate or minimise the risk of airborne asbestos as much as reasonably possible and only allow asbestos-related work in the specific circumstances outlined in the WHS regulations. Requirements also include keeping an updated asbestos register, preparing an asbestos management plan for how risks and incidents will be managed, and ensuring workers receive appropriate training.
As an HSR, you have a number of powers and functions that you may choose to exercise when considering how to support safe work around asbestos, including the ability to seek and receive information, conduct workplace inspections, issue provisional improvement notices or direct workers to cease unsafe work.
See the Guidance for health and safety representatives: asbestos and accompanying Asbestos checklist – for health and safety representatives for more information.
Where can I go for help?
If you think there’s asbestos in your workplace, or if you are concerned about the way it is being managed, talk to your PCBU first. If you’re still concerned, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
Supporting information
Safe Work Australia
- Consultation - information on consultation and the role and function of HSRs
- Guidance for health and safety representatives: asbestos
- Asbestos checklist – for health and safety representatives
- 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
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
- Asbestos National Strategic Plan - provides a long-term, phased approach to eliminating asbestos-related diseases in Australia through nationally consistent and coordinated actions
- National Guide for Asbestos Surveys - provides information about the asbestos survey process
- Asbestos Product Guide - provides images and detailed descriptions of various asbestos products, including information on when and where they were used