The CFMEU was saying a year ago that training requirements for the Federal Government's insulation roll out were inadeqaute. They were also warned of the dangers of using foil insulation.

Tragically we have been proven correct and now the government and employers must act to make sure no more lives are lost.

It was the always the CFMEU's position that training should be completed by every worker involved, not just one supervisor per contractor. We also argued for the reining in of Registered Training Organisations declaring new entrants to the industry as competent after a day and half's training.

Employers not off the hook

While clearly corners were cut by Canberra in the rush to get the insulation into people's ceilings, the role of employers should not be overlooked.

It is not Peter Garrett who sent young lads up into roof cavities to work unsafely. Responsibility for Occupational Health and Safety rests with the employer.

While Garrett is rightly feeling the heat, the employers must be charged with failure to provide a safe workplace.

Building industry fatality rates, which have risen markedly in recent years, show that current penalties are not a deterrent. Stricter regulation of worksites by state governments is also needed, particularly in the housing industry.