At the very bottom of this email you will see a press release from the Government.
Below is the current exchange between the CEPU and Workplace Standards. You will note that contrary to the Governments claim “The joint venture partners have also advised WorkSafe Tasmania that they have not received any reports of workers experiencing illness due to mold.”
You will note in the correspondence between the CEPU and Workplace Standards that at all material times the CEPU included joint venture representatives in our emails.
It is astonishing that on the day after international workers memorial day, a day on which we reflect on those workers injured or killed through work, that this Government would attempt to score political points off the backs of workers injured on their watch.
Somebody is telling lies and it isn’t the CEPU.
…
Subject: RE: Your cc email to WST Info dated 22 April 2016 s.117 entry RHH
Hi XXX,
Thanks for your quick response, and action contacting the employees.
Mick and I have run out of time this week to meet, but will give you a call on Monday to set up a time later in the week, tentatively perhaps Wed morn?
Regards
XXX
XXX
SENIOR INSPECTOR
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTORATE,
SOUTHERN REGION
WORKSAFE TASMANIA,
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
(03) 6166 4691 : 0419 540 373 : Fax (03) 6233 8338
30 Gordons Hill Road, Rosny Park 7018
Subject: RE: Your cc email to WST Info dated 22 April 2016 s.117 entry RHH
Hi XXX,
Thanks for your email and commitment to address the issue raised, and we are more than happy to participate in its resolution.
Given the broad range of information you are seeking, we would seek a meeting when convenient to discuss. I will collate the requested documentation in preparation for our meeting.
Notwithstanding I can confirm I have contacted those employees I have details for at dot point three as requested, however each of them indicated to me their reluctance due to their concern they will be treated adversely by their employer if they participate in this process.
In the interest of expedience, the CEPU encourages you to commence an investigation by exercising your right to gather the contact details of every employee engaged on the ‘Modscape’ site, and conduct enquiries with those people irrelevant of their employer, offsite, in relation to the adverse health effects which have occurred.
Best regards,
Michael Anderson
State Organiser
CEPU – Tasmania
www.ceputas.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceputas
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ceputas
From: XXX
Sent: Wednesday, 27 April 2016 10:34 AM
To: Michael Anderson
Subject: Your cc email to WST Info dated 22 April 2016 s.117 entry RHH
Dear Michael
Thank you for your cc email of the issues noted during your site visit.
I have specifically been directed to investigate the concerns relating to the potential effects of mould and other contaminants in the new (Modscape) modular building on Liverpool St.
To enable me to do that, could you do the following:
• Provide the contact details of the PCBU representative that informed you, or your members, that the mould has been incorrectly dealt with. If possible please provide the date and approximate time of any meeting, and where it occurred.
• Provide the contact details of the direct employers of any workers who advised you of abnormally high rates of illness.
• Contact the workers who notified you of their high rates of illness and request that they contact me directly.
• Provide copies of any relevant correspondence you have had with any PCBUs at the Royal Hobart Hospital site in regards to this issue.
If you could provide the information, and confirmation of your contact asap that would assist in undertaking the investigation in a reasonable timeframe.
If you have concerns about providing the information voluntarily, or any other concerns don’t hesitate to contact me.
Regards
XXX
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTORATE,
SOUTHERN REGION
WORKSAFE TASMANIA,
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
(03) 6166 4691 : 0419 540 373 : Fax (03) 6233 8338
30 Gordons Hill Road, Rosny Park 7018
From: Michael Anderson
Sent: Friday, 22 April 2016 4:24 PM
To: XXX
Cc: WST Info (DoJ);
Subject: s.117 entry RHH
Hi XXX,
In accordance with s.117 of the WHS Act, please regard this as the written entry report.
Concerns conveyed to PCBU (JHFBJV) on arrival;
1. Access / Egress procedures
2. AS/NZ 3012 contraventions
3. Illness clusters related to contaminants in modular building
4. House keeping
5. Adverse treatment of workers raising issues relating to asbestos concerns
General issues observed in relation to the above; (with only modular building of RHH entered)
1. Workers remediating contamination issue did not have any proper exits paths – one with inadequate signage, the other not clear of materials/tools
2. Inadequate exit and emergency signage in the forecourt, amenities area
3. Testing and tagging out of date or not present
4. No clear defined access to some temporary distribution boards
5. Inadequate exit and emergency lighting in the work areas
6. Incidental to the above, inaccurate exit and emergency plan
Specifically relating to illness clusters of workers due to contaminants in modular building reported to CEPU;
– The PCBU made admissions that they have incorrectly dealt with the potential effects of mould and other contaminants, albeit through their subcontracted hygienist. As a result, for several past weeks until recently, workers have been directed to work in areas which are now subject to quarantining because it has been found to have potential adverse health effects.
CEPU members and other workers had recently advised us of abnormally high rates of illness among their work groups resulting in personal leave. Specifics on illness is unknown at this time.
The CEPU has grave concerns that the PCBU has failed to provide a safe and healthy workplace in accordance with s.19 of the WHS Act, among others.
We request that the PCBU provide, in response to this, or under another ROE if they wish, documentation of how they provided a safe and healthy workplace from the beginning of the modular building fit out, to the time when potential health impacts were recognised, if in fact quarantine was necessary the entire time.
Specifically relating the adverse treatment of workers raising issues relating to asbestos exposure;
– A CEPU member has alleged that an inappropriate phone call was made to another worker (employee of Fairbrothers) regarding them both, after they requested the PBCU provide written documentation about a suspected asbestos issue/exposure. The call is alleged to have been made by a senior manager of Fairbrothers.
– It suggested that;
o Further enquiries should cease so no ‘trouble’ was caused and he should ‘pull his head in’
o Our member should be ignored as ‘the Union (CEPU) is in his ear’
– The PCBU undertook to review the matter.
Best regards,
Michael Anderson
State Organiser
CEPU – Tasmania
P. (03) 6228 0098
F. (03) 6228 7557
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceputas
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ceputas
M. 0400 981 024
P. (03) 6228 0098
F. (03) 6228 7557
Sent: Friday, 29 April 2016 2:47 PM
To:
Subject: Update on RHH Worksafe Investigation
29 April 2016
Adam Brooks, Minister for Building and Construction
Update on RHH Worksafe Investigation
WorkSafe Tasmania commenced an investigation of the allegations made by a Union, including concerns regarding alleged “illness clusters” on 27 April 2016.
WorkSafe has advised me that the union has not provided details of any workers experiencing illness due to mold.
It is regrettable that the union does not wish to cooperate with the inquiry it called for.
The joint venture partners have also advised WorkSafe Tasmania that they have not received any reports of workers experiencing illness due to mold.
Throughout the building project and also since the mold issue arose, Worksafe has conducted regular on-site compliance inspections.
I am advised WorkSafe Inspectors have recently received occupational hygienists reports commissioned by the relevant builders. These are currently being reviewed.
During onsite inspections WorkSafe Inspectors have observed that appropriate controls have been implemented.
Following the union and Labor Opposition allegations, WorkSafe Tasmania have increased the frequency of compliance inspections at the site.
Today, Worksafe have advised me:
– They have observed that access to the affected area is restricted to workers wearing appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE];
– Signage is installed to ensure people on site are aware of the isolated work area and requirement for PPE use;
– The Joint Venture partners maintain that they have had no reports of workers experiencing illness due to mold; and
– WorkSafe inspectors have requested the Joint Venture partners provide details of sub-contractors within the affected areas in order to further investigate the claims of an “illness cluster”.
The investigation is on-going.
Trevor Gauld State Secretary CEPU – Tasmania
