SafeWork SA last month accepted Enforceable Undertakings (EU) from 24 Power Fit Pty Ltd and its sole director Chad Oldfield.

The undertakings follow alleged contraventions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) during demolition and renovation works at the Plympton Park fitness centre in 2023.

An investigation was conducted by SafeWork SA where it was alleged that 24 Power Fit and Mr Oldfield failed to adequately identify and manage asbestos risks during demolition works in accordance with the approved Code of Practice: How to Manage

It was also alleged Mr Oldfield, as a director, failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its work health and safety duties.

24 Power Fitand Mr Oldfield have each entered into EUs with SafeWork SA to deliver initiatives aimed at improving safety outcomes in the workplace, across industry, and in the wider community as an alternate enforcement outcome.

An EU is a written, legally binding commitment to implement effective work health and safety initiatives, which typically results in a monetary value greater than the expected prosecution fine. These measures are intended to deliver tangible benefits for workers and others, industry, and the broader community, while also addressing the risks that gave rise to the undertaking. All EU initiatives go beyond what is required for legislative compliance.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Key commitments

24 Power Fit

The company will invest at least $67,000 in safety initiatives.

These include:

• maintenance of safe systems of work
• independent third-party WHS audits
• training for workers to maintain and/or improve knowledge and skill set in the gym workplace.
• donation to an asbestos related charity and Australian Men’s Shed Association.
• gym safety courses delivered to gym patrons.

Chad Oldfield (Director)

Mr Oldfield will invest more than $146,000 in a separate enforceable undertaking.

Key initiatives include:

• producing a professional educational video on asbestos safety for small businesses
• publishing educational material in metropolitan and regional media
• the distribution of the National Awareness Campaign’s materials during National asbestos week in 2026.
• supporting asbestos research and community organisations through donations
• removing asbestos from a community-accessible building
• undertaking WHS training to strengthen officer due diligence knowledge.

SafeWork SA will monitor compliance with both undertakings.

Attribute to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell:

Asbestos exposure can have devastating, lifelong consequences, and there is absolutely no excuse for failing to properly identify and manage this hazard.

Enforceable undertakings allow us to secure meaningful, enforceable outcomes that go beyond compliance and deliver real safety improvements across industry.

Directors and company officers have a clear legal obligation to exercise due diligence, and that includes ensuring appropriate systems are in place before work begins