Key facts
- Around 220 people die every year from asbestos-related illness. It’s our country’s number one work-related killer.
- Builders are at a higher risk of coming across asbestos when doing renovations, repairs or demolitions, especially on older buildings.
- Site Safe and WorkSafe New Zealand have joined forces on new training to give tradies the knowledge they need to stay well at work.
Materials containing asbestos that are in good condition and left untouched aren’t a risk. But once disturbed, asbestos can release fibres into the air. The fibres, which are so small they can’t be seen by the human eye, can get stuck in the lungs, causing significant illness like cancer.
That’s why it’s important to know about asbestos. Businesses and workers must do everything possible to keep themselves and their coworkers safe.
Rob Birse, a technical specialist at WorkSafe, says that just because asbestos is no longer imported into New Zealand, does not mean the problem has gone away.
“Asbestos is a hazardous material widely used in construction before the late 1980s. You’ll still find it in old homes, workplaces and public buildings. When left alone, it’s not a threat – but as we know, tradies, especially builders, often come across it in their day-to-day work,” he explains.
“Spotting it, understanding the risks, and knowing how to deal with it is the best thing you can do. Prevention is the best protection.”
Brett Murray, Site Safe Chief Executive, agrees.
“Keep safe for yourself, your workmates, and your family.”
The new training course includes real, practical steps and procedures, all in line with current health and safety law. “Whether you’re a business owner, a sole trader, or working in a crew, it’s relevant. Asbestos fibres may be a silent harm, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do,” adds Rob. “Keep safe for yourself, your workmates, and your family.”
Site Safe asbestos awareness training
Locations: Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.Topics
The different forms of asbestos, and what it looks like:
- Where it can be found
- The dangers and health hazards
- What to do once you find it.
You’ll get:
- A Site Safety Card, valid for 2 years. Most major New Zealand contractors require workers to have a valid Site Safety Card before entering a construction site.
- 4 Licensed Building Practitioner points.
- Unit Standard 2138 Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety procedures v6 – Level 2,
Click here for more info on working with asbestos: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos