❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses mould outbreaks at South Hedland and Pundulmurra TAFE campuses, raising concerns about health risks, remediation efforts, staff notification, and potential cover-ups. The Minister's response provides details on discovery dates, remediation actions, and communication with staff.
AnsweredQoN 6153Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In reference to reports of health risks associated with a mould outbreak in buildings at South Hedland and Pundulmurra TAFE campuses, I ask:
(a) when was the mould first discovered at these Pilbara TAFE campuses;
(b) when did the mould remediation efforts first commence;
(c) how was the remediation process carried out, and by whom;
(d) was WorkSafe notified; and
(i) if yes, on what date and for what reason and by what means was the notification made;
(ii) if the notification to WorkSafe was in writing, will the Minister table it;
(iii) if not, why not;
(e) how and when were staff at these campuses informed of the mould outbreak issues;
(f) will the Minister detail any health related issues that have been raised with WorkSafe or TAFE management that relate to this mould outbreak;
(g) will the Minister ensure that there is no cover-up in relation to the handling of this mould issue;
(h) will the Minister give a direction to ensure that Pilbara TAFE management do not in any way attempt to identify TAFE staff whistleblowers who have made public the handling of this issue; and
(i) what steps will the Minister take to ensure that the Government is acting to respond positively to the concerns and issues raised in the North West Telegraph, which has detailed disturbing information about conditions at the campuses which formed the basis of the story published in the newspaper on 14 September 2011?
(a) when was the mould first discovered at these Pilbara TAFE campuses;
(b) when did the mould remediation efforts first commence;
(c) how was the remediation process carried out, and by whom;
(d) was WorkSafe notified; and
(i) if yes, on what date and for what reason and by what means was the notification made;
(ii) if the notification to WorkSafe was in writing, will the Minister table it;
(iii) if not, why not;
(e) how and when were staff at these campuses informed of the mould outbreak issues;
(f) will the Minister detail any health related issues that have been raised with WorkSafe or TAFE management that relate to this mould outbreak;
(g) will the Minister ensure that there is no cover-up in relation to the handling of this mould issue;
(h) will the Minister give a direction to ensure that Pilbara TAFE management do not in any way attempt to identify TAFE staff whistleblowers who have made public the handling of this issue; and
(i) what steps will the Minister take to ensure that the Government is acting to respond positively to the concerns and issues raised in the North West Telegraph, which has detailed disturbing information about conditions at the campuses which formed the basis of the story published in the newspaper on 14 September 2011?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 October 2011
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Training and Workforce Development
Response time
29 days
(a) The mould was first discovered at the South Hedland Campus in March 2011 and at the Pundulmurra Campus in June 2011.
(b) Mould remediation efforts commenced in April 2011 at the South Hedland Campus and in June 2011 at the Pundulmurra Campus.
(c)At the South Hedlandcampus, the contractor Mycologia carried out initial mould remediation in April 2011. Further testing was carried out and mitigation commenced on the basis of this testing. This involved sealing off the area and cleaning via HVAC and Ozone systems. The work was completed in July 2011 with clear test results provided.
Since this testing, the College has initiated further testing and further remediation efforts at South Hedlandcampus.
At the Pundulmurra Campus, ceiling panels were replaced by contractors Vath Junkerss. This work commenced on 7 June 2011 and was completed on 10 June 2011.
Since this incident, the College has initiated further testing and further remediation efforts at Pundulmurra Campus.
(d) A formal notification to WorkSafe was not made by Pilbara Institute, although discussions have occurred between the Institute and WorkSafe.
(i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(iii) N/A
(e) Relevant staff at the South Hedlandcampus were notified verbally in April 2011. All staff members were notified in July 2011 when further testing was completed. At the Pundulmurra Campus all staff received email notification in July 2011.
(f) I understand that some employees have raised concerns regarding potential respiratory problems with Pilbara Institute management and there have been two claims for workers compensation. I cannot comment on what information has been provided to WorkSafe as there has been no formal written notification at this point. The discussions with WorkSafe were verbal.
(g) Yes. Pilbara Institute management has informed staff of the situation and made no attempts to cover up any information.
(h) The management of Pilbara Institute will follow the principles outlined in the
Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003
in dealing with staff that have made public the handling of this issue.
(i) The Department of Training and Workforce Development is facilitating discussions with Pilbara Institute to identify responsibilities and will source resources to effectively address the mould situation at both campuses.
The Department and Pilbara Institute are also working with Building Management and Works to address the mould issues as quickly as possible.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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(b) Mould remediation efforts commenced in April 2011 at the South Hedland Campus and in June 2011 at the Pundulmurra Campus.
(c)At the South Hedlandcampus, the contractor Mycologia carried out initial mould remediation in April 2011. Further testing was carried out and mitigation commenced on the basis of this testing. This involved sealing off the area and cleaning via HVAC and Ozone systems. The work was completed in July 2011 with clear test results provided.
Since this testing, the College has initiated further testing and further remediation efforts at South Hedlandcampus.
At the Pundulmurra Campus, ceiling panels were replaced by contractors Vath Junkerss. This work commenced on 7 June 2011 and was completed on 10 June 2011.
Since this incident, the College has initiated further testing and further remediation efforts at Pundulmurra Campus.
(d) A formal notification to WorkSafe was not made by Pilbara Institute, although discussions have occurred between the Institute and WorkSafe.
(i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(iii) N/A
(e) Relevant staff at the South Hedlandcampus were notified verbally in April 2011. All staff members were notified in July 2011 when further testing was completed. At the Pundulmurra Campus all staff received email notification in July 2011.
(f) I understand that some employees have raised concerns regarding potential respiratory problems with Pilbara Institute management and there have been two claims for workers compensation. I cannot comment on what information has been provided to WorkSafe as there has been no formal written notification at this point. The discussions with WorkSafe were verbal.
(g) Yes. Pilbara Institute management has informed staff of the situation and made no attempts to cover up any information.
(h) The management of Pilbara Institute will follow the principles outlined in the
Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003
in dealing with staff that have made public the handling of this issue.
(i) The Department of Training and Workforce Development is facilitating discussions with Pilbara Institute to identify responsibilities and will source resources to effectively address the mould situation at both campuses.
The Department and Pilbara Institute are also working with Building Management and Works to address the mould issues as quickly as possible.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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