Riverina Pools — Worker Safety Concerns
4558. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Commerce
I refer to the presence of, and protection of workers from, styrene and other chemicals associated with the manufacture of fibreglass pools at Riverina Pools in Bayswater, and I ask —
(1) Has Worksafe received any reports or concerns about worker health and safety at this factory?
(2) If yes to (1), when were each of the reports received?
(3) What investigation has Worksafe undertaken and when?
(4) What was the outcome of that investigation(s)?
(5) If no investigation has been undertaken, why not?
(6) What, if any, enforcement activity has Worksafe undertaken at this site?
(7) Is Worksafe satisfied with the current arrangements at this site?
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied:
(1)–(2) Yes
21 December 2009,
17 June 2010,
14 July 2011,
12 August 2011.
(3)–(6) Report of 21 December 2009 — a WorkSafe Inspector visited the workplace and issued 4 improvement notices relating to residual current devices; the fitting of flashback arresters; a high risk work licence required for the operation of a forklift and induction training required for hazardous substances. The investigation was completed on 20 January 2010.
Report of 17 June 2010 — a WorkSafe Inspector telephoned the complainant and advised her that the matter complained about was not in the jurisdiction of WorkSafe and that she should report speak with the EPA or her local council. The investigation was completed on 18 June 2010
Report of 14 July 2011 — a WorkSafe Inspector visited the site on 20 July and was unable to find any evidence to substantiate the complaint. The investigation was completed on 22 July 2011.
12 August 2011 — 7 improvement notices were issued pertaining to, ventilation, spills procedures, safety and electrical equipment, eyewash facilities, registration of equipment, confined spaces procedures, and asbestos register. The investigation was completed on 16 September 2011.
(7) Compliance with the improvement notices will satisfy the concerns identified by the WorkSafe Inspector.