Asbestos Legislation in Australia
A number of asbestos-related rules and regulations have been passed in Australia over the years. These laws, of course, are meant to protect the people of Australia, including those who once worked with the material in factories and mines throughout the country, as well as those who still encounter asbestos in old homes and commercial buildings.
Asbestos laws often vary by state and territory, but most laws are in place to help keep asbestos in check and reduce the number of cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among the Australian population.
Asbestos Regulations
There are general rules regulating the removal of asbestos in most states in Australia. Generally, if more than 10 square meters of asbestos material is present, a licensed abatement contractor must perform the asbestos removal.
National laws demand that non-residential buildings have an asbestos register and management plan in place and that the register outlines the type, location and condition of any asbestos on the premises and the associated risks. In most cases, the results of annual asbestos inspections must be displayed onsite or should be readily available to individuals who ask to view them.
Learn More about Asbestos Exposure
Learn the latest about asbestos and exposure to it. Click on the right of this page and ask for a free informational packet with data about exposure risks and a list of banned asbestos products.
Occupational Health Regulations
In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment for employees. Additional health and safety legislation demands that the person who manages or controls a workplace must identify all asbestos-containing materials at the jobsite, and employees must have access to that information.
Failure to comply with any of these workplace laws can result in extremely large fines, and employees who believe they have been unnecessarily exposed to asbestos or any other toxins due to disregard for these laws have the right to file a claim against their employer.
Bernie Banton Law
The 2008 Bernie Banton Law – named for a deceased mesothelioma sufferer who tirelessly campaigned for new legislation – allows citizens of Victoria to seek compensation if diagnosed with asbestosis, a progressive lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Under the Bernie Banton Law, individuals may seek more compensation at a later date should their health problems develop into mesothelioma.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, May 10th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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