SafeWork SA | A South Australian gym operator and its director have committed to more than $210,000 in safety improvements after allegedly exposing workers and others to risks associated with airborne asbestos.
SafeWork SA accepted Enforceable Undertakings (EU) from 24 Power Fit Pty Ltd and its sole director Chad Oldfield.
The undertakings follow alleged contraventions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) during demolition and renovation works at the Plympton Park fitness centre in 2023.
An investigation was conducted by SafeWork SA where it was alleged that 24 Power Fit and Mr. Oldfield failed to adequately identify and manage asbestos risks during demolition works in accordance with the approved Code of Practice.
It was also alleged Mr. Oldfield, as a director, failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its work health and safety duties.
24 Power Fit and Mr. Oldfield have each entered into EUs with SafeWork SA to deliver initiatives aimed at improving safety outcomes in the workplace, across industry, and in the wider community as an alternate enforcement outcome.
An EU is a written, legally binding commitment to implement effective work health and safety initiatives, which typically results in a monetary value greater than the expected prosecution fine. These measures are intended to deliver tangible benefits for workers and others, industry, and the broader community, while also addressing the risks that gave rise to the undertaking. All EU initiatives go beyond what is required for legislative compliance.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
