SAFE Work Australia has announced the release of the Asbestos Exposure and Compliance Study of Construction and Maintenance Workers report.
According to Safe Work Australia chair Tom Phillips, the study was conducted to determine the current levels of awareness, worker compliance with legislation, the attitudes of workers and exposure levels to asbestos in construction and maintenance workers.
The report found most tradespersons are aware of the potential health risks of asbestos, however the high level of general awareness is not accompanied by the knowledge of how to recognise asbestos or control the risks when working with it.
Safe Work Australia says the tradespeople surveyed thought they could protect themselves from the risk of asbestos, but the overall level of compliance with safety procedures was much lower than estimated.
In addition, the study highlighted an inappropriate level of disposal of asbestos and contaminated materials.
Phillips claims the study adds significantly to Safe Work’s knowledge of the awareness of and compliance with occupational health and safety legislation by tradespeople in relation to asbestos.
"It is concerning that although tradespeople have a high level of awareness and confidence in being able to protect themselves, this is not matched with the use of necessary safety precautions when working with asbestos,” Phillips said.
According to the authority, the results of the study will be used to inform effective strategies to eliminate or reduce worker exposure to asbestos.
The Asbestos Exposure and Compliance Study of Construction and Maintenance Workers can be found at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.