06/04/2020
SafeWork SA has suspended the class B asbestos removal licence held by a South Australian licensed asbestos removalist and demolition contractor.

Immediate suspension of a class B asbestos removal licence held by a South Australian licensed asbestos removalist and demolition contractor was issued on Friday 3 April 2020.

Working closely together with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SafeWork SA has recently been monitoring the business activities.

The contractor created risks to health and safety of persons through exposure to asbestos. Evidence obtained demonstrated the business failed to remove all asbestos from a residential premise, did not decontaminate the area where asbestos had been removed, and didn’t engage an independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person to carry out a clearance inspection to verify the area was safe before commencing the demolition.

The business failed to comply with section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) to take reasonable care of their workers’ health and safety and to ensure that they do not adversely affect the health and safety of others.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell reminded businesses that SafeWork SA are continuing to operate as usual and focus on compliance and enforcement activities.

“During this unprecedented time in business, businesses may think they can avoid compliance, however our attention continues on matters that pose serious or imminent risk to health and safety”, said Mr Campbell.

SafeWork SA reminds all duty holders involved in the demolition or refurbishment of a structure or plant that was installed or fixed before 31 December 2003 that they must comply with asbestos regulations.

Further details and checklists on requirements can be found on the SA Government asbestos website.