On January 1st, 2012, new Australian Model Health and Safety legislation came into effect dictating workplace buildings constructed before 2004 must have an asbestos audit.
The legislation outlines building owners, building managers and property managers are responsible for these audits.
Fines of up to $60,000 will be issued to those who fail to arrange a workplace asbestos inspection. Furthermore, should an employee develop an asbestos-related illness, the company will be liable for personal injury lawsuits and potentially face criminal charges.
Donald Pitt, founder of Asbestos Audits International (AAI), said, “Visually, there’s no way to tell if you have asbestos in your workplace. The only way to tell is by conducting an asbestos analysis in a lab.”
Australia has the 2nd highest rate of asbestos related cancer deaths in the world. The legislation ensuring workplaces are safe and asbestos-free is in response to asbestos-related deaths increasing every year for the past 5 years.
For more information regarding asbestos or the new legislation changes, visit www.AsbestosAuditsInternational.com.au
