QLD Asbestos - Can Employer Force Employees to Clean?

[worried2014]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if it is legal for an employer to make employees clean up asbestos when it is not under a job description and without proper training or protective wear? Is this legal to make anyone clean asbestos under employment law or would the employees just have to do as they are told.

Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

 

[Rod]

Contact Worksafe (or whatever they are called these days) asap. Assuming this is the dangerous asbestos, this doesn't seem legal to me.

 

[Sophea]

Check out this site that provides details about training and induction for employees handling asbestos.
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/manage/tasks.htm

 

[Sarah J]

Definitely do not clean or come in contact with the asbestos. The company needs to contact professional cleaners with the proper handling wear. I agree with Rod, contact work safe as soon as possible and possibly the Fair Work Ombudsman should the employer continue to insist you clean it up.