This audit assessed if WorkSafe effectively regulates asbestos removal by issuing and renewing licences appropriately, and performing risk-based monitoring to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
Our specific criteria were:
- Does WorkSafe have adequate controls over the issue of licences for asbestos removal?
- Does WorkSafe have an effective monitoring and compliance program?
We focused on WorkSafe as the key entity responsible for regulating asbestos removal licensing under the OSH Act 1984. We also considered:
- the requirements of the OSH Regulations 1996 that relate specifically to asbestos management
- Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos[1] (the Code)
- what WorkSafe is doing to address the risks of silicosis.
We assessed and analysed information and data available from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019.
During the audit we:
- reviewed relevant policies and procedures
- interviewed WorkSafe staff and observed staff processing licence applications
- sample tested records of restricted and unrestricted licence applications to assess compliance with legislation, the Code, WorkSafe guidance, and good regulatory practice
- sample tested records of licensee audits to assess compliance with WorkSafe guidance
- sample tested records of on-site inspections following notifications received by WorkSafe about friable asbestos removal jobs
- analysed data from 1,432 asbestos-related complaints made to WorkSafe.
The audit assessed how WorkSafe processes licence applications, both new and renewal, for restricted and unrestricted licences. We also looked at compliance and monitoring activities for all licensees.
We did not consider disposal and illegal dumping of asbestos, asbestos management by local government entities, nor management of asbestos in remote communities as part of this audit.
This was an independent performance audit, conducted under section 18 of the Auditor General Act 2006 and in accordance with Australian Standard on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3500 Performance Engagements. We complied with the independence and other relevant ethical requirements related to assurance engagements. Performance audits primarily focus on the effective management of public sector programs and activities. The approximate cost of undertaking the audit and reporting was $317,000.
[1] Code of practice for the safe removal of asbestos 2nd Edition. Australian Government, National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. Canberra, April 2005.