For employers across Australia, asbestos awareness training is not just a box-ticking exercise — it is a legal and moral obligation under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Despite the nationwide asbestos ban, asbestos-containing materials remain present in many workplaces, particularly in older buildings, infrastructure, and industrial sites.
This article explains employer responsibilities for asbestos awareness training, how to meet WHS compliance requirements, and why proactive training protects both workers and businesses.
1. Legal Obligations for Employers Under WHS Laws
Under Australian WHS legislation, employers (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking – PCBUs) have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers and others.
When asbestos is present or may reasonably be encountered, employers must:
Identify asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
Prevent or minimise exposure risks
Provide appropriate information, instruction, and training
Ensure workers understand how to recognise and avoid asbestos hazards
Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, legal action, and reputational damage.
2. Risk Assessment and Asbestos Management Processes
Employers are required to take a risk-based approach to asbestos safety.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting asbestos risk assessments before work begins
Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register (where applicable)
Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce exposure
Reviewing risk controls regularly or when conditions change
Training plays a critical role in ensuring workers understand these risks and know how to respond appropriately on site.
3. Training Delivery Options for Employers
WHS laws require training to be suitable, relevant, and accessible for workers who may encounter asbestos.
Employers can support compliance through:
Online asbestos awareness training for flexible access
Induction training for new workers
Refresher training to maintain awareness
Targeted training for higher-risk roles such as trades, maintenance, and supervisors
As highlighted in Asbestos Awareness: A Key to Career Advancement and Safety, structured training benefits both workers and employers by improving hazard recognition, confidence, and overall workplace safety culture.
4. Record Keeping and Ongoing Compliance
Providing training is not enough — employers must also demonstrate compliance.
Best practice includes:
Keeping records of completed asbestos awareness training
Documenting attendance, certificates, and refresher dates
Updating training when legislation or workplace conditions change
Ensuring contractors and subcontractors are also trained
Accurate records help protect businesses during audits, inspections, or incident investigations.
Why Supporting Asbestos Awareness Training Matters
Employers who actively support asbestos awareness training:
Reduce the risk of worker exposure and illness
Meet WHS legal obligations
Lower the likelihood of costly incidents and downtime
Build trust and confidence among workers
Strengthen long-term safety culture
In contrast, lack of training increases the risk of unsafe behaviour, non-compliance, and serious health consequences.
Support Your Workforce — Enrol Now
Providing asbestos awareness training is one of the most effective steps employers can take to protect their teams and meet WHS requirements.
Support your workforce — enrol now in the Asbestos Awareness Online Course.