10/05/2022

On Wednesday 4 May 2022, SafeWork SA cancelled the class A asbestos removal licence of a South Australian asbestos removalist and demolition contractor. This company had a history of safety breaches relating to the safe removal and disposal of asbestos.

The licence cancellation follows an immediate suspension that was reported on 18 March 2022.

One of the functions of SafeWork SA as the regulator, is to monitor and enforce compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA).

When making the decision, SafeWork SA considered the company’s:

  • failure to identify and safely remove friable asbestos
  • 3-month suspension in 2019
  • history of repeated contraventions
  • ability to protect workers and members of the public from exposure to asbestos.

The licence holder has also been disqualified from applying for an asbestos removal licence for 12 months.

SafeWork SA will suspend, cancel or refuse a person’s licence renewal in order to address inappropriate conduct or practices. Such action is a protective measure to protect the health and safety of workers and the community.

SafeWork SA is currently undertaking a state wide proactive compliance campaign on asbestos management, including demolition and refurbishment.

Businesses with management or control of structures or plant, installed or fixed before 31 December 2003, need to be aware of their obligations with asbestos regulations.

Information on asbestos can be found on the South Australian Government asbestos website which provides practical information about asbestos, how to identify it, and how to have it safely removed.