Asbestos Warning On the Occasion of National Asbestos Awareness Week

National Asbestos Awareness WeekTwo decades have passed since a pivotal nationwide prohibition on asbestos, yet the Victorian government urges employers and tradespeople, especially in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, to remain vigilant against the enduring threat posed by this hazardous material


asbestos


The National
Asbestos Awareness Week (20-27 November) commemorates the 20th anniversary of outlawing asbestos use, importation, and production. Despite the ban, many homes constructed in Australia until 1990 incorporated asbestos in products like cement sheeting and thermal insulation for pipes, still persisting in approximately one in three households. Disturbance during demolition or construction activities can have grave consequences.

Asbestos poses health risks when its fibers are inhaled, leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, with effects often manifesting years or even decades after exposure.

In a bid to ensure safe asbestos removal, WorkSafe is conducting a two-week crackdown across the state. Inspectors will visit work sites to reinforce crucial messages, emphasizing the importance of identifying asbestos before demolition, providing workers with knowledge on potential asbestos locations and proper protocols if encountered, and mandating licensed professionals for asbestos removal.


Asbestos Warning On the Occasion of National Asbestos
Awareness Week


Australia's high incidence rates of mesothelioma stem from its widespread use before the 2003 ban, affecting over 700 Australians annually. Brian Healy, a former fitter and machinist from Gippsland, who is among those diagnosed, urges workers to voice concerns if workplaces neglect asbestos exposure risks.

WorkSafe Minister and the TAC Danny Pearson highlighted the continued presence of asbestos in many structures despite the ban, emphasizing the need for businesses to comprehend their responsibilities and workers to grasp clear safety protocols for the secure demolition of potentially asbestos-containing materials.

Employers seeking guidance on Occupational Health and Safety obligations concerning asbestos and tools to mitigate exposure risks can access resources at worksafe.vic.gov.au/asbestos.



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