Asbestos is, and continues to be, a huge concern for Australian workers and the public. For decades it was one of the most commonly used building materials in homes and buildings, and it is still found everywhere. Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950s until the mid to late 1980s. After many years of concerted union campaigning, the import and use of asbestos and asbestos containing materials in Australian workplaces was finally banned in December 2003.

Unions have campaigned for decades about the dangers of asbestos and have successfully helped secure long term compensation for people affected by asbestos-related disease.

Now the danger is for home renovators and their families, as well as tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

We invite you to participate in next week's Asbestos Awareness Week activities - there are several events taking place in Melbourne, and others in Gippsland and elsewhere. For Victorian activities, go to this page on the VTHC OHS Reps website.