According to a report by Michael West Media, construction workers at the AMP building have allegedly been exposed to asbestos during refurbishment works. The report states that approximately 30 workers have been required to undergo medical examinations, which has been backed by calls from the CFMEU, which called for organisations to stop “flouting the regulations” around asbestos.
The AMP building was Sydney’s first skyscraper and was opened in 1962 – well before asbestos bans were implemented in Australia. AMP Capital, Colliers International and Dexus currently own the site.
Earlier this year, construction company Built was tasked with a $160 million refurbishment of the building, which subsequently contracted Metropolitan Demolitions and Australasian Technical Services for asbestos removal works at the site. ATS then sourced EnviroX for asbestos hygiene works at the site, approved by the construction company, Built.
According to the report, the contract with EnviroX was terminated in November due to concerns regarding the handling of asbestos, and an alternate hygienist, Property Risk Australia, took over the contract in their place.
Per sources within the CFMEU, there were concerns raised over the performance of EnviroX. The alternate contractor for asbestos work, PRA, allegedly found evidence of asbestos contamination on at least three floors of the 25-storey building. According to the same sources, the asbestos contamination was present in the form of fireproofing spray that covered what was estimated to be one in every ten bricks that workers removed and threw into a dumpster. It is understood that those workers were not supplied with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Sources have explained that the rest of the building is now being tested for asbestos, while Built noted that construction works at the site have been paused:
“We confirm the 33 Alfred Street construction site has been temporarily shut down due to the identification of potential hazardous materials uncovered during demolition works. The safety of people is our top priority, and appropriate WHS measures and protocols have been implemented while further investigations are undertaken.”
The CFMEU says that SafeWork NSW, Built and AMP need to take more action for the safety of workers, said the state secretary, Darren Greenfield.
“The CFMEU NSW has been in discussions with Safework NSW and Built to stop Safework giving dispensation to Built to work outside the regulations in relation to contaminants at the 33 Alfred Street site.”
“Ignoring our submissions, Safework approved Built to work outside the regulations. The CFMEU has refused to support this decision and has continually asked the builder to work within the regulations.”
“Now we find at least 70 workers have now been exposed to asbestos. The CFMEU will be writing to Safework NSW demanding they revoke any approval to work outside the regulations. ”
Colliers International, Metropolitan Demolitions, Property Risk Australia and EnviroX Consulting did not make comment when contacted by MWM.