Melbourne asbestos removal company, Nu Tech Demolition & Asbestos Removal, has been fined after facing the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for failing to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure from airborne asbestos fibres and also failing to produce documents to an inspector.
The company pleaded guilty to both charges.
Victoria’s safety regulator, WorkSafe, received a tip-off from a member of the public that there were suspected asbestos fibres present at the worksite in Watsonia North.
Victoria Police attended the scene after workers tried to use a truck at the site to remove a loaded skip that contained asbestos fibres. WorkSafe then secured the site and issued a non-disturbance notice, allowing workers to remove the truck and skip. Samples collected from the site confirmed asbestos was present.
Dr Narelle Beer, the executive director of WorkSafe, slammed the company’s failure to reply to the regulator’s requests for information after the asbestos was found.
“Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to severe and sometimes deadly diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma,” Dr Barr said.
“It’s extremely shameful that this company not only put workers and the public at risk of asbestos exposure but also refused to cooperate with WorkSafe throughout the process.”
The company was fined $25,500 and also ordered to pay court and discovery costs.