Investigations and Regulatory Support

ICAM Trained | Evidence Led | Regulator Ready | Practical Outcomes

Representative Case Work

The following case studies have been anonymised to protect the people and organisations involved.

WHAT I DID

The evidence submission led to involvement from multiple regulators, who identified significant non-compliances and outstanding safety controls. As a result, the owners corporation and building management are now undertaking extensive corrective and remedial work across the property.

The matter progressed from concerns that had not been properly addressed to regulator-driven action involving asbestos management, contractor controls, building access and protections for residents, workers and visitors.

The evidence created a clear trail connecting the technical findings, incomplete clearance information and wider governance failures.

Asbestos Exposure and Regulatory Escalation

THE ISSUE

THE OUTCOME

I reviewed the occupational hygienist’s assessment, contractor-issued decontamination certificate, photographs, maintenance records and building communications. The assessment identified approximately 67 square metres of asbestos across nine items and required licensed removal, air monitoring and independent clearance.

I established that the certificate covered only limited areas and had been issued by the contractor, not an independent hygienist. It therefore could not demonstrate that the remaining common areas were safe. I contacted the contractor directly to verify what had been assessed, quoted or completed and whether independent clearance existed.

My review also identified wider gaps in asbestos management, contractor controls, safe work procedures, PPE, worker briefings, exposure records, health surveillance, emergency access and resident communication. I compiled the evidence and outstanding controls into a formal regulatory submission addressing resident health, worker and contractor exposure and owners corporation governance.

Asbestos contamination, including high-risk friable material, was identified throughout shared areas of a multi-storey residential building. The affected locations included reception areas, lifts, stairwells, corridors, service cupboards, electrical infrastructure and car-parking areas.

These spaces were regularly accessed by residents, visitors, cleaners, maintenance contractors, carers, delivery workers, utility providers and emergency responders. Despite the identified contamination, several areas remained accessible without adequate barriers, clear communication or confirmation that independent clearance had been obtained.

The matter raised serious concerns about resident health, worker and contractor exposure, emergency access and the owners corporation’s compliance with its asbestos, environmental and workplace safety responsibilities.

Key Learning

A certificate is only as reliable as its scope, issuer and supporting evidence. Resident, worker and contractor safety requires controlled access, clear communication, proper asbestos systems and independent clearance.