The Minns Labor Government is renewing calls for employers, employees and home renovators across the state to remain vigilant to the dangers of asbestos.
With asbestos still present in one-in-three Australian homes, as well as in public and commercial buildings and more than 4,000 Australian lives claimed annually, National Asbestos Awareness Week serves as a timely and important reminder to access information and register for safety courses before working with asbestos or any building material which might contain asbestos,
Worth $4.5 billion, December 2024 marks the 20-year anniversary of the biggest compensation agreement ever struck in Australia on behalf of people with asbestos-related illnesses directly caused by the actions of the building-products manufacturer, James Hardie.
It was the Carr Labor Government that instituted the judicial inquiry into James Hardie. It was the findings of this inquiry and the subsequent public pressure on the company which resulted in the establishment of the compensation fund for the victims of their deadly product.
The 2004 deal struck with James Hardie was a landmark agreement, and its benefits have resonated across the country, raising awareness, education and investment in medical research into asbestos diseases. The agreement also ensured current and future victims of asbestos-related diseases would be fully compensated for years to come.
Some practical steps to follow when it comes to dealing with the toxic material include:
- If the home or building you are working on was built before 1990, then it is likely to contain asbestos.
- If you're not sure whether asbestos might be present at a site, don't do anything until you've had it checked by a licensed asbestos professional.
- If you're working on a commercial building that was built before December 2003, ask to see a copy of the asbestos register before doing any work.
- For renovators and tradies working with asbestos or removing small amounts of asbestos (less than 10sq m), SafeWork NSW has launched an online asbestos awareness and safety course which will help meet your training obligations and provide workers the skills they need to stay safe when working with asbestos.
To find out more about the SafeWork NSW asbestos safety course, Register Here.
For more information about asbestos safety, visit the SafeWork NSW asbestos page.
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis says:
"Employers must ensure their workers follow safe processes when working with asbestos to prevent exposure.
"Equally, DIY renovators should be aware of the potential risks, stay educated and leave it to the experts.
"All workers have the right to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday."
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin says:
"If asbestos is disturbed, it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibres which can cause serious and fatal illness when inhaled.
"This National Asbestos Awareness Week, it's important to remember that if your home or commercial building was built or renovated before 1990, it may contain asbestos. If in doubt, contact a licensed asbestos assessor or refer to the SafeWork website which offers further guidance, resources and information on the asbestos awareness and safety course."
