WorkSafe ACT thanks businesses for their cooperation with bonded asbestos contamination investigation
21 February 2024
WorkSafe ACT would like to thank all involved businesses for their understanding and continued cooperation with our enquiries into contaminated mulch found in Canberra as reported yesterday.
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 allows the Regulator (Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius) to release information if it is necessary for administering or enforcing another territory law, in this instance the Dangerous Substances Act 2004, if the disclosure, access or use is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious risk to public health or safety. The most efficient way to raise awareness of the risk was to publicise the names of potential suppliers.
WorkSafe ACT has confirmed that Casey Projects and Terra Mater Group (formerly Eifer Earth) have not distributed or supplied any potentially contaminated mulch to members of the public.
All businesses who purchased the potentially contaminated mulch have been cooperative and have been actively assisting WorkSafe ACT to address this risk to public safety and health. WorkSafe ACT understands these local businesses simply happened to purchase potentially contaminated mulch during 1 March 2023 and 19 February 2024.
Ms Agius would like to thank the business owners for their continued willingness to work with WorkSafe ACT, noting that a number have begun to put remediation plans in place if necessary.
Ms Agius would also like to thank all the members of the community who have contacted WorkSafe ACT.
“Thank you to everyone who has already contacted WorkSafe ACT seeking information about mulch they have purchased in the last 12 months. Our inspectors will be in touch with you to confirm next steps.”
Work continues to test mulch across known sites in the ACT. WorkSafe ACT will continue to keep the community updated as enquiries continue.
This event is an important reminder that despite being banned in Australia, asbestos remains present in the ACT, and it is vital that it is handled and disposed of strictly in accordance with the law.
Statement ends.
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