WorkSafe ACT has permitted work to continue on an Canberra construction site despite recent asbestos handling concerns.
Construction union, CFMEU is pushing for the hotel redevelopment site to be shut down amidst concerns.
According to the union, asbestos was neither being removed nor disposed of properly which has prompted workers to refuse returning to work.
CFMEU ACT branch secretary Dean Hall remarked that workers were not wearing proper protective gear nor were they being properly decontaminated once they’ve commenced work.
Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe stated that inspectors have visited the site and are satisfied with the employers efforts to address union concerns. McCabe said an asbestos removal company was referred by the ACT Planning and Land Authority which are responsible for licencing.
Prior to the inspection, Hall had expressed concerns that both workers and the public were potentially being exposed to the deadly substance.
Hall stated that a number of issues are cause for concern.
” We have the direct threat that there could be something go wrong with the demolition process and not only kill workers on the site but more importantly there is no or very little protection for the public,” he said.
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-27/asbestos-fears-at-canberra-building-site/4282806?section=act
