February 10, 2017
The Electrical Trades Union has called on the Department of Transport and Main Roads to stop all below-ground work on traffic lights and street lights statewide after asbestos was discovered in the network.
A union spokesman said workers had been exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in traffic light and street light pits and conduits throughout the State-owned network, as well as some local and regional council networks which the Department was contracted to maintain.
Spokesman Brenton Muller said despite the discovery of the dangerous materials the Department had not put a halt to work in the suspect areas.
“Hundreds of employees of the Department have been put at risk by their decision not to adhere to the Safe Work Method Statements and Asbestos Management Framework and put a stop to the work,” Mr Muller said.
“These employees aren’t the only people at risk of exposure to asbestos – their families could also be impacted by them unknowingly taking home asbestos dust on clothing.”
Mr Muller said while Workplace Health and Safety Queensland had agreed the Department was in breach of regulations covering the management of asbestos, they were not taking action.
“We are calling on Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to do their job and immediately protect these workers exposed to asbestos,” he said.
