Use Asbestos Registers to Help Keep Workplaces Safe

What’s going wrong

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a fresh warning after inspectors found cases where workers were unknowingly disturbing and spreading friable asbestos across workplaces and even into public areas.

The common issue? Employers had failed to maintain or provide an asbestos register, meaning workers had no idea asbestos was present.

That’s a serious gap because once asbestos is disturbed, it can release airborne fibres that are extremely dangerous to inhale.

Why asbestos registers matter

An asbestos register is not just paperwork. It’s a core safety tool that helps prevent exposure before it even starts.

When done properly, it records things like:

• Where asbestos is located
• What type it is
• Its condition
• When it was identified

This allows workers, contractors and anyone on site to avoid disturbing it in the first place.

Without a register, people are basically working blind and that’s how exposure incidents happen.

The real risk

When asbestos containing materials are disturbed, they can release fibres into the air. Once inhaled, those fibres can lead to serious long term diseases, including life threatening conditions.

The scary part is you often don’t see or feel the exposure happening at the time. The damage shows up years later.

What employers need to do

If asbestos is present or even suspected in a workplace, duty holders must:

• Create and maintain an up to date asbestos register
• Make sure it is accessible to workers and contractors
• Keep it accurate so risks can actually be managed properly

This is a basic requirement, not a nice to have.

The bigger picture

This alert is a reminder that asbestos risks haven’t gone anywhere. A lot of older buildings still contain it and if it’s not properly managed, the consequences can be serious and irreversible.

Simple systems like registers might feel boring, but they’re often the difference between a controlled risk and a long term health disaster.

TL;DR

• Workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos because registers weren’t maintained.
• Asbestos registers help identify and manage risks before exposure happens.
• Without them, people can disturb asbestos and inhale dangerous fibres.
• Employers are legally required to maintain and provide accurate registers.