29 April 2016

, Minister for Building and Construction

Update on RHH Worksafe Investigation

WorkSafe Tasmania commenced an investigation of the allegations made by a Union, including concerns regarding alleged “illness clusters” on 27 April 2016.

WorkSafe has advised me that the union has not provided details of any workers experiencing illness due to mold.

It is regrettable that the union does not wish to cooperate with the inquiry it called for.

The joint venture partners have also advised WorkSafe Tasmania that they have not received any reports of workers experiencing illness due to mold.

Throughout the building project and also since the mold issue arose, Worksafe has conducted regular on-site compliance inspections.

I am advised WorkSafe Inspectors have recently received occupational hygienists reports commissioned by the relevant builders. These are currently being reviewed.

During onsite inspections WorkSafe Inspectors have observed that appropriate controls have been implemented.

Following the union and Labor Opposition allegations,  WorkSafe Tasmania have increased the frequency of compliance inspections at the site.

Today, Worksafe have advised me:

• They have observed that access to the affected area is restricted to workers wearing appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE];
• Signage is installed to ensure people on site are aware of the isolated work area and requirement for PPE use;
• The Joint Venture partners maintain that they have had no reports of workers experiencing illness due to mold; and
• WorkSafe inspectors have requested the Joint Venture partners provide details of sub-contractors within the affected areas in order to further investigate the claims of an “illness cluster”.

The investigation is on-going.

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