Notice for documents and information provided to Harvey Norman


Released 28/07/2017

WorkSafe ACT has provided a notice under the Work Health and Safety Act to Harvey Norman to provide documents and a risk assessment plan for managing potentially contaminated goods.

Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said he was disappointed that this was necessary as WorkSafe ACT had been seeking to work collaboratively with Harvey Norman corporate office and the Fyshwick franchise since becoming aware of contamination in the warehouse on 24 June 2017.

A Prohibition Notice issued for the warehouse on that date is still in place.

“Our priority and focus at WorkSafe ACT is safety at all times,” Mr Jones said.“This includes safety of our community and also for the workers who may be impacted by contamination at the site.

“We have been asking for, and are yet to receive, a comprehensive asbestos assessment for the warehouse by Harvey Norman as well as a risk assessment of how goods currently stored in the warehouse, or those that were stored in the warehouse and now sold or moved since February 2017, are to be managed.

“We have requested that this documentation is received by 3pm this Friday and strongly encourage compliance with this request.”

Mr Jones said Access Canberra was also watching the response from Harvey Norman carefully from a fair trading and product safety perspective to ensure customers are provided with information and any necessary action in response to purchased goods.

“We want to ensure Canberrans are kept informed of this important safety issue and that they can have confidence that goods purchased are safe.

“We look forward to receiving the requested information and continuing to work cooperatively with Harvey Norman corporate and the local Fyshwick franchise on this issue.”

WorkSafe ACT understands that goods potentially impacted by asbestos are large white goods including washing machines and fridges and some furniture and carpet products.

The contamination occurred following roof works at the warehouse (not the store/showroom) which damaged some sections of bonded asbestos roof panels, causing them to become friable. The time period of these works is thought to be February 2017 to June 2017.

Harvey Norman has established a contact line for customers who may be impacted.

- Statement ends -

Access Canberra | Media Releases

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