Released 20/01/2017
Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones today welcomed the findings of the Auditor-General into the management processes associated with the Mr Fluffy demolitions which support WorkSafe’s ongoing improvement of administrative processes.
To date more than 530 demolitions of houses affected by loose fill asbestos insulation have occurred safely in Canberra, equating to more than 200,000 hours of demolition and remediation work. On any day there are up to 120 workers on Mr Fluffy sites across the ACT.
Mr Jones said the community could have confidence these works were occurring safely with WorkSafe inspectors on sites each day across the ACT ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Mr Jones said WorkSafe also acknowledged the importance of clearly documented processes, frameworks and record keeping around its regulation activities and took a continuous improvement approach. Improvements outlined in the Audit Report are being actioned.
“WorkSafe ACT is committed to the safety of all worksites across the ACT, including Mr Fluffy demolitions, whether through the ACT Government program or privately,” Mr Jones said.
“The strategy that WorkSafe ACT has for the demolition program is clear - to ensure workers on these sites are safe, as well as the wider community.
“As an agency we have stepped up and responded to this unprecedented and important program of works with an experienced team of dedicated inspectors.
“The demolition and remediation work being undertaken is not only highly visible, but complex, and we have been working to ensure we are present at key stages of the works. We have also been taking a very effective educative approach with industry while ensuring strict compliance with requirements.”
Mr Jones said the audit process and findings focused on processes and record keeping practices. WorkSafe had already made significant improvements in its record management and other paperwork associated with the successful demolition works.
“We welcome the review outcomes as they confirm processes and improvements already in place are on the right track,” he said. “Many of the improvements being made will exceed the audit’s recommendations.
“The community can have a high level of confidence in the work we do to ensure the safety of the program. Evidence of this is that there have been no major injuries sustained on sites or impact of works on the broader community.
“As regulator, we also continue to work closely, but independently, of the Asbestos Response Taskforce and Procurement and Capital Works who are overseeing the contractors undertaking the demolition and remediation works for the ACT Government program. “This has been a critical part of the success of the demolition activity to date and will be on-going in future works. “Together, with industry, we are committed to ensuring the continued strong safety record of this important program for our community.”
- Statement ends -
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