However, this isn’t just an Australian problem, with many other countries around the world battling asbestos issues and the rise of the third generation of victims. These individuals haven’t work with asbestos fibres, but live in a contaminated built environment.
This fact highlights the importance of events such as the second International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management. Set to be held between November 22 and 24 in Brisbane, the conference is hosted by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Next month’s event brings together industry leaders in asbestos management, advocacy and health to discuss a number of hot topics around the issue of asbestos. This includes the residential housing sector, disposal/dumping, importing and international policy, medical responses and disaster recovery.
Global threat of asbestos
One issue that will attract considerable attention at the conference is the use of asbestos in areas such as mining, manufacturing and production. Many countries in South East Asia don’t have strict guidelines in these areas and Australians are at risk if these products enter the country.
A recent example of this was addressed by SafeWork NSW. Tests on fibrous building panels set for a residential building in Sydney were found to contain chrysotile asbestos.
Unaware of the asbestos presence, the business imported the panels from China. SafeWork NSW explained that many countries will describe a product as ‘asbestos-free’ even though it contains a small percentage of the deadly fibres.
In Australia, any product containing asbestos is banned. Following the advice from authorities, the business hired a licensed asbestos removalist who disposed of the remaining panels and ensured workers and the general public weren’t at risk from exposure.
NSW asbestos compensation claims
Under NSW law, you are entitled to claim compensation on many dust-related conditions including asbestos and mesothelioma. It doesn’t matter whether you are a member of the public or a worker from a building site.
For more information, get in touch with the compensation lawyers at Gerard Malouf Partners today.
These lawyers operate on a no win no fee basis so they can advise you on your chances for success free of charge – if they think you have a case, it’s completely up to you whether you engage their services.