3 April 2019

On Thursday 21 March, ANMF was contacted by member at the Launceston Reception Prison (LRP) regarding a potential exposure to Asbestos as a result of building works being undertaken at the facility and resulted dust from the works entering the nurse’s station via air vents.

On arrival at the LRP precinct ANMF was advised that WorkSafe had issued a prohibition notice to the Department of Justice – Corrective Services that noted works were being undertaken on tiles that were known to contain Asbestos fibres and as a result all work was to cease, and remedial action be taken to ensure the environment was safe.

ANMF liaised with Tasmanian Health Service (THS) on behalf of members to ensure that the appropriate control measures were put in place prior to members returning to work. ANMF also ensured that members were on full pay while they were not able to attend their usual place of work.

Members have since returned to work, ANMF will continue to monitor the situation once building works resume.