CANBERRA, June 13 AAP -

Work on Telstra pits containing asbestos will only resume when employees and contractors have been trained on the safe handling and removal of asbestos, Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten says.

An independent asbestos taskforce set up this month amid fears of asbestos exposure at national broadband network (NBN) sites across Australia is working to finalise training for workers, Mr Shorten said after the task force met in Melbourne on Thursday.

Telstra is responsible for remediating the pits and ducts being used to roll out the NBN.

Work on Telstra pits containing asbestos will only resume when training has been completed by employees and contractors, Mr Shorten said in a statement.
Comcare inspectors, working with state work health and safety regulators, will be checking the safety of the work and reporting outcomes to the taskforce and Telstra and NBN Co have also appointed independent monitors.
AAP lk/alb

To anyone who employ's staff in the trades, training in safe handling of asbestos is mandatory under the 2011 Work Place Health and safety Act.

If you have identifed asbestos as a risk in their line of work, then you must give them asbestos awareness training.

Remembering asbestos is not only found in old house's, it can be found in cars, factories and of course Telstra pits.
...
With over 3000 know uses for asbestos, it could be lurking anywhere.

Make sure you and your staff don't unintentionally disturb asbestos, this may put at risk a life, theirs, yours or the public.

Not to mention the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in clean up bills.

keyshr.com.au/OnlineWorkingwithAsbestos

Danger flood damaged homes across Queensland contain Asbestos!

RESIDENTS returning to properties damaged by floods are being warned against stirring up deadly asbestos fibres as they sift through debris. 

Residents returning to homes in areas affected by floods needed to be careful and take precautions.

People searching through the remains of their houses need to protect themselves and their families.

It's obviously very hard for them, as they sift through their houses looking for cherished possessions.

They forget about the dangers of being exposed to asbestos fibres.

It is recommended people wear masks and disposable suits before handling any material.

A high proportion of buildings constructed before 1990 contained asbestos products, either in houses, sheds or water pipes.

While it was understandable many flood-affected families wanted to assess the damage to their home and begin the clean up, safety should come first.

When people start using high-pressure water blasters to clean away the mud, they should be mindful of whether their house is asbestos or fibro.

They should not disturb the surface of the fibro, which can release asbestos fibres.

Fibro can be dangerous even after sheeting has dried.

It is predicted future natural disasters would continue to trigger the risk of asbestos fibre release.

To help inform families and give them some training toward protecting themselves, the Queensland Government has team up with Keys Human Resources to bring you the first online Homeowner DIY asbestos removal course.

keyshr.com.au/onlinehomeownerDIYasbestosremoval

Any homeowner or member of the public involved with voluntary clean up duties in and around houses built before 1990 are strongly encouraged complete this course.

This message proudly brought to you by - 

keyshr.com.au/onlinewhitecard

 

Heat Stress in the Construction Industry

Working in the sun, especially in Queensland, for a long period of time without adequate breaks, shade or water can mean workers face serious dehydration and are at risk of a heat-related illness or even death. Employers must provide protection for their workers from the heat and sun - and workers must follow their employer’s instructions regarding heat stress and sun safety.

In other recent events, a road worker was transported to hospital for heat related treatment and the following day a housing construction site worker at Miles received treatment by ambulance officers for heat stress.

Late last year, a 25 year old worker died and his colleague was hospitalised with severe dehydration after walking just 6km in 45 degree heat when they couldn't free their bogged vehicle in the Simpson Desert.

Workers are most at risk during heat waves when temperatures are above the average for three or more days, with high humidity increasing the risk.

Very hot and extreme heat conditions can lead to heat-related health problems such as cramps, exhaustion, heat stroke, and fainting. Employers should weigh up all factors such as heat, humidity, water intake, breezes, protective gear, the physical condition of workers and their hours of work.

Recently a project we carried out on a large roof, we identified heat stress as a risk and implemented the use of camel packs, broad brim hats, long sleeve shirts, ice cold water refills, electrolyte first aid concentrate, sunscreen, rotational breaks off the roof every hour and allowed the workers to wear shorts.

These precautionary steps not only assisted in the project seeing completion with zero safety concerns, we came under budget because productivity was maintained throughout the extreme heat conditions experienced.

Safety when when it comes to heat stree doesn't cost money, it saves and can increase productivity.

Proudly brought to you by www.keyshr.com.au//OnlineWhite-Cards.aspx