Water pipes across Australia ‘contain asbestos cement’
Thousands of kilometres of Australian water pipes contain hazardous asbestos cement that is coming to the end of its life, an industry organisation has revealed. The Water Services Association of Australia said replacing the material across 40,000 kilometres of piping could cost consumers up to $8 billion. Managing Director Adam Lovell told the ABC that […]
Queensland black lung cases spark concern across mining industry
A recent spate of coal miners’ pneumoconiosis cases, otherwise known as black lung, in Queensland is causing concern among members of the mining community. Two more people were confirmed to have the serious disease last week, bringing the state’s total number of cases to eight over the last few months. The Daily Mercury reported that experts […]
Public set to have say on asbestos regulation amendments
Asbestos regulations are changing in NSW, and the state government is asking residents to pitch in and offer their comments about proposed amendments.] Last year, the Home Building Act 1989 was altered so that NSW Fair Trading could publish the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Register (LAIR). The public list shows any homes or other properties that […]
Asbestos conference to address growing concerns
Despite the fact that Australia banned the use of asbestos materials in 2003, the country is still facing ever-growing health problems. According to Asbestos.com, it is predicted that another 25,000 Australians will succumb to mesothelioma over the next 40 years. However, this isn’t just an Australian problem, with many other countries around the world battling asbestos […]
Crayons spark asbestos concern across country
Asbestos is still a danger to the Australian population, despite its ban enforced since 2003. While the main threat of asbestos to our country now is disturbing old fibres in buildings, there is also the risk of importing products which contain the product. Crayon asbestos risk The latest example of this is imported crayons. A number […]
National asbestos plan released to public
Today, most Australians have heard of asbestos, and the hazards associated with it. However, despite its total ban as of 2003, many buildings built prior to this date could theoretically contain the deadly fibres. While the particles undisturbed don’t pose a risk in their current form, with many older buildings undergoing renovations or ?minor cosmetic work, asbestos is still […]
Dust Diseases Board changes set to make claims resolution faster
The Dust Diseases Board will undergo a name swap and various functional changes as part of the NSW government’s new $1 billion insurance reform package. Announced on Tuesday (August 4), the 2015 Workers’ Compensation reforms aim to simplify the existing system for injured employees and businesses. According to WorkCover NSW, the Dust Diseases Board will […]
Mining company loses appeal on $2m mesothelioma case
New South Wales’ Supreme Court of Appeal has refused to overturn a decision that saw a mesothelioma sufferer receive $2,236,959 last year. The man worked for a well-known global mining company between 1979 and 1981, in which time he was exposed to asbestos fibres that eventually led to a tumour developing on the epithelial cells […]
New licensing laws could spark rise in asbestos-related claims
Homeowners and tradespeople could be exposed to deadly asbestos due to the “watering down” of licensing requirements for painters, a Labor politician has argued. Tania Mihailuk, NSW opposition spokeswoman for fair trading, said the changes may allow unqualified and unskilled professionals to handle asbestos and lead when carrying out jobs. Under the new regulations, tradespeople […]
NSW government announces new asbestos assistance
Households affected by loose-fill asbestos across NSW will now have access to a number of new services, according to the state government. Asbestos, a material linked with deadly lung diseases such as silicosis and mesothelioma, has been in the headlines recently, as more people become aware of the threat. On Friday (December 19), NSW Minister […]
