RTBU raises concerns over asbestos discovery

Worker and commuter safety is being question by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW after a number of City Rail's train station booking offices have been closed after discovery of asbestos.

A second railway station booking office, in as many weeks, has been found to contain asbestos during maintenance works and has been shut pending further investigation. Edgecliff and Eastwood booking offices are the most recent to be closed down.

RTBU secretary, Nick Lewocki said, "The NSW Government must act immediately to guarantee the safety of rail workers and the public. The RTBU is calling on the Government to instruct WorkCover NSW to conduct an audit of all City Rail Stations and work locations to identify any potential hazards associated with asbestos".

The RTBU is awaiting the release of RailCorp's asbestos register that should detail the extent of asbestos throughout the system.

Lewocki went on to say, "The RTBU wants the Government to establish an Occupational Health and Safety Oversight Committee to implement the recommendation to come out of the WorkCover audit."