There has been an asbestos scare for workers at the Port Stanvac refinery demolition site in South Australia as last week an excavator unearthed a great amount of toxic asbestos. This posed a health risk to 12 workers who are believed to be in the area at the time this asbestos was disturbed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to these workers contracting asbestos related diseases such as asbestos related pleural disease or even mesothelioma.
While an exclusion zone has been established there are still fears these workers have not been correctly decontaminated. Tests on the worker’s clothing confirmed this with traces of asbestos being found. The site is believed to have lots of asbestos below the ground and workers are fearful they are being dangerously exposed as there is a lack of protective procedures in place.
Mobil has spoken out about the situation saying they take all the necessary steps to ensure their worker’s health and safety is protected. Despite this the construction workers’ union was set to inspect the site today and also speak to concerned workers. SafeWork South Australia is also investigating the situation.
Asbestos has affected the lives of many South Australians. Unfortunately, many people in South Australia have been diagnosed with asbestos conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
In South Australia, the Government implemented specific legislation to assist those suffering asbestos conditions in South Australia make a compensation claim. Asbestos compensation in South Australia, including mesothelioma compensation in South Australia and asbestosis compensation in South Australia, benefits from such legislation.
Asbestos claims in South Australia are brought in the South Australian District Court.
