Source: Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe has joined forces with Site Safe, a leading construction health and safety organisation, to deliver new training for asbestos awareness.
WorkSafe has joined forces with Site Safe, a leading construction health and safety organisation, to deliver new training for asbestos awareness.
As health and safety regulator, WorkSafe provided technical and specialist asbestos knowledge.
The course provides people with the knowledge they need to identify, and manage, the risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres.
Rob Birse, Principal Asbestos Specialist at WorkSafe, says this is the most effective way to reduce the harm.
“It’s important that businesses and workers do all that they can to identify and reduce the risks that come with asbestos dust. Learning to spot those risks is the first, crucial step to keeping yourself, and your workmates, healthy and safe.”
Materials that contain asbestos, that are in a good condition and left untouched, don’t need to be removed, and are unlikely to cause harm.
“If asbestos is disturbed, it can release fibres into the air. These fibres can get stuck in the lungs and cause disease,” Rob explains.
“Around 220 people die from asbestos-related illness every year. Just because we’ve stopped using asbestos, does not mean the problem went away. There are specific regulations for working with asbestos for a reason.”
The course is beneficial to people across a wide range of industries, particularly those in the construction industry, including young workers, apprentices, and migrant workers.
It’s also a valuable tool for people outside of construction, such as trades and maintenance workers (electricians, plumbers, painters, and flooring workers), facility and property managers, healthcare and education staff, emergency responders, demolition and renovation crews, and even those in shipyard, maritime, aerospace, and automotive industries.
“Asbestos remains a silent danger in many environments, and it is imperative that workers understand how to identify it and what procedures to follow to remain safe. This course provides practical, actionable knowledge, ensuring that our people can return home safely at the end of each day,” says Brett Murray, Site Safe Chief Executive.
“We are particularly pleased to collaborate with WorkSafe on this initiative, amplifying our shared dedication to a safer New Zealand.”
The training is aligned with Unit Standard 2138, “Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety procedures,” resulting in 1 credit at Level 2. Those who complete the course will receive a Site Safety Card.
Registrations are now open. For more information, visit www.sitesafe.org.nz/training(external link)
