A Western Australian man has been fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $4,000 in costs for removing asbestos fencing without the required licence.
Perth Magistrates Court heard that the individual had pleaded guilty to carrying out asbestos removal work without authorisation.
In April 2022, the man removed 41 meters of asbestos fencing from properties in Beckenham, falsely claiming to be licensed for the job.
The improper disposal was discovered by a fencing contractor, who was later hired and halted work upon finding asbestos pieces in the ground.
The man then misled the property owners about the necessity of removing asbestos below ground, prompting a report to WorkSafe.
WorkSafe investigations revealed that the man lacked the required asbestos removal licence. WorkSafe Commissioner emphasised the importance of proper licensing, stating that it ensures workers are trained and qualified to handle hazardous materials safely.
Property owners are advised to verify the licence status of asbestos removalists using the Service WA app or the WorkSafe website. Additionally, always check for photo identification and confirm employment with the contractor’s company.
“Proactively managing asbestos removal can mitigate risks and avoid costly cleanups,” the Commissioner said.
“Plan ahead to ensure safe and compliant handling of asbestos in your property.”
