Charges laid for NT illegal asbestos

The illegal removal of asbestos has led to charges being laid against a Darwin manufacturing and building company.

NT WorkSafe charged Northern Transportables with five breaches of work health and safety legislation for illegal asbestos removal work.

It is alleged that in October and November of 2015, the company was contracted to refurbish three properties and allowed unlicensed workers to remove asbestos from two of the properties without training or appropriate safety equipment, despite knowing the properties contained asbestos.

The charges, which have been filed in the Darwin Local Court, are:

• One charge contrary to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act, for failing to comply with health and safety duty.
• Two charges contrary to Regulation 300 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations for failing to comply with a safe work method statement for high risk construction work.
• One charge contrary to Regulation 422(1) of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations for failing to have asbestos identified by a competent person.
• One contrary to Regulation 458(1) of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations for failing to ensure the asbestos removalist was licensed.

The maximum penalty for the breach of the Act is $1,500,000 for a body corporate and $30,000 for each breach of the regulations.

The matter is listed for mention in the Darwin Local Court on 25 October 2017.