Update on Bonded Asbestos Contamination in ACT Mulch

22 February 2024

WorkSafe ACT is continuing with its enquiries into the bonded asbestos confirmed to be present in mulch samples in the ACT.

One additional site, a residential complex, has tested positive to bonded asbestos this morning. A prohibition notice remains active on this site and further testing is underway. The site has approximately 70 cubic metres of the affected mulch and accounts for approximately one fifth of the total volume understood to be in the ACT. WorkSafe ACT has informed the building owner.

Our inspectors continue to contact all affected businesses and members of the community as they are identified and further testing of mulch across the Territory is underway.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius is assuring the community that WorkSafe ACT is using all resources to ensure anyone affected is contacted.

“We are endeavouring to contact all identified businesses and households as soon as we can. We understand that people are concerned, but the important thing to remember is that the safest place for the mulch right now is for it to remain undisturbed on the ground.”

To date, WorkSafe ACT inspectors have contacted 20 potentially contaminated sites and issued verbal prohibition notices to ensure the mulch is not disturbed, handled or disposed of until testing can be completed. WorkSafe ACT has also directed that the mulch is isolated. Isolation could be done through barricading or taping off the mulched area.

“Once we have undertaken testing and have the results in hand, we will know what we’re dealing with and can organise next steps,” Ms Agius said.

WorkSafe ACT is actively working to contact an additional 9 sites that have so far not been able to be reached by phone or email. Inspectors will attend these properties today to provide information and arrange testing. If no one is home at these properties, letters will be left.

Over the next two days, inspectors will visit all 29 currently identified sites. WorkSafe ACT is working across the ACT government, and the ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Taskforce will join with our inspectors tomorrow and next week to assist in ensuring all sites are visited.

In summary:

  • 20 prohibition notices have been issued under the Dangerous Substances Act 2004
  • 9 additional sites will be contacted today and once contact is made, prohibition notices will be issued
  • 14 sites are booked for asbestos assessor testing
    • 4 sites have been tested and are awaiting results which are due in the coming days
    • 2 businesses are organising their own testing.
  • In the 2 samples returned, bonded asbestos has been confirmed in both.
  • Initial contact tracing is underway to locate approximately 50 cubic metres of the affected mulch known to have been purchased in small quantities.

Following results from testing, WorkSafe ACT will work with accredited asbestos assessors to provide recommendations on remediation processes. Until that time, mulch should remain in place.

WorkSafe ACT is also working with a small number of businesses who are choosing to move forward with their own remediation work, with instruction from accredited asbestos assessors. Interested businesses can contact WorkSafe ACT to discuss next steps if they are considering this option.

Ms Agius reiterated her gratitude to members of the community and impacted businesses.

“Again, thank you to everyone for their assistance with our ongoing enquiries. I want to make clear that this product has come into the ACT from interstate and no one in our community is at fault.

“We understand this has been disruptive and concerning for the community and businesses, and I greatly appreciate everyone’s focus on ensuring the ongoing safety of Canberrans.”

Members of the community who purchased cottage mulch from the suppliers listed below between 1 March 2023 and 19 February 2024 should contact WorkSafe ACT by email at WorkSafe_Asbestos@worksafe.act.gov.au. Inspectors will be in touch as soon as possible.

WorkSafe ACT will continue to keep the community informed as further mulch testing results and other information becomes available.

Statement ends.

Potentially impacted businesses:

  • Stonehenge
  • Biajag
  • Cool Green
  • Living Simply
  • Botanical Places
  • Otis Gardening
  • Rexley Landscaping
  • COD Living Green Sustainable Gardening
  • J&D Maintenance

Media contact

media@worksafe.act.gov.au

0466 927 213

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