In the Central Coast of NSW asbestos has been discovered in eight electricity substations that have been described as being in a “poor” condition. Major surface damage increases the risk of exposure to asbestos which may lead to conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
While asbestos is present in other electricity substations across NSW, they remain bonded and do not exacerbate the risk of employees contracting mesothelioma.
The Electrical Trades Union has released documents that reveal 49 documented cases of asbestos-related illness in Ausgrid employees in 22 years. However due to the latency period between exposure to asbestos and contraction of mesothelioma it is difficult to identify how many electrical trades workers in Australia have been exposed to asbestos and may contract an asbestos-related illness in the future.
Much to the dismay of Union secretary Steve Butler, asbestos removal programs have been suspended due to reluctance from companies to pay overtime. This is in spite of documents released indicating the presence of dangerous “friable” asbestos.
Says Steve Bulter, “At least two people are developing either mesothelioma or asbestosis at Ausgrid each year and the number is likely to rise.”
While the NSW government has acknowledged the need for an audit, a full-scale removal of all asbestos has been called for by the union.
Mesothelioma compensation is available throughout Australia, and electrical workers in NSW have pursued asbestos claims in NSW in the past.
