Another Death Plagues Ceiling Insulation Scheme

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4th February 2010, 06:21pm - Views: 882
Another death plagues ceiling insulation scheme

Tragedy continues to plague the booming ceiling insulation industry with another death this morning the third in Queensland in just over four months.

A man was electrocuted in Millaa Millaa in North Queensland this morning.

QCU Assistant General Secretary Amanda Richards said she was saddened and angry to hear of another senseless death in the ceiling insulation industry.

"We wrote to Minister Garrett following the last death in November 2009 and this resulted in a boosting of safety standards whereby formal risk assessments must be carried out for each job.

"Also, training for the industry has had a revamp with a new course about to be rolled out. Plus Workplace Health and Safey Queensland has been undertaking compliance audits as well.

"We've also seen a name and shame register introduced for de-registered installers.

"Whilst we welcome these changes already implemented, it's still not enough to prevent the tragedies occurring."

Ms Richards said the QCU would once again be calling for a review of the entire program particularly focussing on the health and safety issues associated with this particular work.

"The concerns we have, and which we've already communicated to Minister Garrett, continue to centre around:
- the proliferation of companies now listed;
- lack of training being provided to workers;
- health and safety issues associated with the work; and
- electrical safety issues.

"Businesses in this industry need to take the health and safety of their workers seriously and ensure there are safe systems in place.

"This is a basic right for all workers and one which the QCU and its affiliated unions are passionate about and will continue to fight for."

MORE INFO: TANIA REEVES (MEDIA/COMMS OFFICER)
3846 2468 OR
0418 700 419

SOURCE: Queensland Council of Unions


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