Asbestos is still a huge problem. Australia has an unenviable record with one of the world's highest rates of asbestos related diseases and a legacy of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in many workplaces and buildings - public and private, commercial, domestic and industrial.

The use of all forms of asbestos in Australia has been banned since 2003, including its import and export. But, because of the legacy of its use, we have not solved the problem of asbestos exposures for either people at work or in the general community.

To illustrate the seriousness of the problem, according to an August 2010 Safe Work Australia report [Asbestos-related Disease Indicators] in the 10 years ending 2008, the number of deaths attributed to asbestosis has more than doubled, while deaths from mesothelioma have grown 50%. The number of overall asbestosis deaths is increasing steadily, (109 in 2008 compared to 43 in 1998).

Increasingly unions around Australia are working with the community, asbestos support and advocacy groups and the Cancer Council to work towards an Asbestos Free Australia.

Details of the events planned for Asbestos Awareness Week are in the Calendar on our website.

If you become aware of potential or actual exposure to asbestos at the workplace please contact Terry O’Loughlin at our offices immediately. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it