Workers are concerned that the state’s biggest asbestos-removal site is risking safety by frequently breaching procedure.
Worker’s anonymously contacted The Advertiser news source and informed them that are doubtful that the correct removal methods were used in the first four months of the project. These four months involved the clean-up of 93,000 sq m of asbestos sheeting on the former Mitsubishi manufacturing site.
SafeWork SA officers visit the site frequently and have had inspectors issue statutory notices for non-compliant work practices.
Some of the breaches include a failure to comply with PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements for asbestos-removal. However, there have been reports by former workers (who have quit) that the dangers extend far beyond PPE issues. Some issues have been cited regarding the handling of asbestos sheeting once it is removed from the factory structure by DE-Construct.
One worker stated that sheets were simply “dumped” into trucks with a plastic lining, causing airborne asbestos particles and dust. Workers have also cited concerns with the thick cloud of dust in the factory that they believe may contain asbestos.
A spokesperson for the company stated that the company’s top priority was the safety of their workers.
Asbestos removal is being carried out according to EPA guidelines and under the watchful eye of SafeWork SA.
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Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/asbestos-clean-up-breach-fears-at-old-mitsubishi-site/story-e6frea83-1226370401166