Sydney Opera House found to have asbestos in wiring, 25 workers exposed

Workers involved in the $200 million Opera House renovations are exposed to asbestos, with the union saying the contractor took too long to communicate the discovery.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) said 25 workers involved in the $200 million renovation had been exposed to the fibres while working in a service duct.

The union said it took too long for workers to be told about the discovery.

“Our ETU members have been exposed to deadly asbestos,” the ETU’s Justin Page said.

“The contractor Downer failed to notify our members for approximately five days that asbestos had been detected and confirmed at that site.

“Our members raised the issue of [the] possible presence of asbestos last Monday.”

Mr Page said it was disappointing plans for the renovations did not factor in possible asbestos sites.

Source: Sydney Opera House found to have asbestos in wiring, 25 workers exposed – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)