New asbestos guidance released for health and safety representatives

Safe Work Australia (SWA), in collaboration with the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, has released a new asbestos guide and checklist specifically for health and safety representatives (HSRs).

Asbestos consists of many tiny fibres that can get into the air when disturbed, and when asbestos fibres are inhaled they can lodge in the lungs and cause serious diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

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; eg, employers), HSRs can play an important role.

The new resources aim to assist HSRs to: know the risks and recognise asbestos-containing materials; advocate for appropriate safe work practices and control measures; promote communication regarding asbestos concerns; and contribute to a safer work environment.

You can access the guide and checklist here, via the SWA website.

Image credit: iStock.com/georgeclerk. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.