News from the Australian NT: What you need to know about asbestos management and incident notification

Asbestos management

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. It may still be present in some commercial buildings built before 2004. If you are a commercial property owner, manager or tenant, you need to know how to manage asbestos safely and prevent exposure.

One of the key requirements is to prepare and maintain an asbestos register. This is a document that lists all identified or assumed asbestos in a building. It informs workers and contractors of the location and condition of asbestos so they do not disturb it accidentally. Intact asbestos products in good condition are safe, but disturbing asbestos can release fibres and potentially expose nearby people to its harmful effects.

If asbestos has been identified, you also need to have an asbestos management plan. This outlines how you will control the risks associated with asbestos. You also need to mark the identified locations of asbestos with signage and labels. If you fall within the target category, NT WorkSafe Inspectors will be contacting you to discuss these requirements and provide guidance.

Incident notification

Another important and ongoing obligation is to notify WHS regulators of any serious incidents that occur at your workplace. These include death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident. These incidents require immediate notification and investigation.

However, there are also other incidents that may pose a risk to health and safety but have been overlooked to date, such as psychological injuries, illnesses and harm, and psychosocial hazards (including workplace violence, bullying and harassment).

Safe Work Australia is seeking your feedback on potential options to improve the incident notification provisions in the model WHS laws. These options include expanding the framework to capture this broader range of incidents and introducing periodic reporting (six-monthly) for certain incidents where immediate notification is not required. These options are based on the findings of the incident notification review undertaken by Safe Work Australia in 2022.

Your input will help inform decisions in relation to amendments to the model WHS laws. To access the consultation paper and have your say, please visit Safe Work Australia’s consultation page. Submissions are open until 10am (AEST) Monday 11 September 2023.

Sources

Asbestos management campaign by NT WorkSafe, August 3rd, 2023
Feedback sought on options to improve WHS incident notification framework by NT WorkSafe, August 1st, 2023

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