Illegal Asbestos Exposures by Construction Companies Signals Failure of Government and Safety Regs

The CEPU has labelled the latest asbestos exposure at the Royal Hobart Hospital Project as a sign of complete failure by Government and Safety Regulators.

State Secretary Trevor Gauld said that yesterday’s Asbestos exposure was avoidable if not for negligent construction bosses, incompetent regulators and Government Ministers who turn a blind eye.

“CEPU members tell us about safety regulators turning up to site and having coffee with the boss instead of speaking to workers on site.”

“There have been nearly a dozen exposures to asbestos and other airborne pathogens on this site now and nothing is changing” Mr Gauld said “We have seen construction workers exposed, hospital staff and patients exposed, when will someone with actual authority step in?”

The CEPU also condemned the State Government for a complete lack of action.

“Last year the Minister accused the CEPU of scaremongering yet more completely avoidable asbestos exposures have occurred since. When will the Government direct its safety regulator to actually do something?”

The CEPU intends to commence its own compliance program to start addressing the high levels of illegal asbestos exposures on the site.
Trevor Gauld State Secretary CEPU – Tasmania