A study by Ernest and Young reveals that a startling number of Australian government contractors implementing the digital TV rollout are unaware of how to report major problems such as asbestos disturbance.

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can lead to the onset of asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. The study indicates that on one third of sites visited, contractors were unaware of basic safety precautions such as the use of a mask or protective clothing.

The report into Queensland’s Satellite Subsidy Scheme was commissioned by the Australian Department of Communications and revealed that Australian government contractors, lacking in training, had disturbed asbestos in over 20 government-owned homes.

The report said “The results show significant non-compliance in the management of risks, awareness of the incident reporting process and demonstrating the appropriate (safety) culture.”

In one incident in Queensland, a contractor drilled through a plaster wall, was unable to identify whether or not asbestos was present and was unaware of the necessity of wearing a protective mask. The contractor was subsequently suspended.

Contractors Skybridge and Techlife have installed over 5,000 satellites in households in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. As only 1,103 private homes were inspected, the report raises concerns over the potential asbestos disturbance in the households not inspected.

Asbestos exposure and asbestos conditions are a major problem in Australia. One only has to look at the legal system for asbestos conditions in Australia to relies that multiple Australian State governments have introduced asbestos compensation legislation in Australia to assist the many people who have such conditions to pursue asbestos compensation.

Although it may be time to clean up fire damaged Coonabarbran in New South Wales, there still remains a major health concern for the area. There are fears that the buildings which were damaged by bushfires could have contained toxic asbestos which may now pose a health risk to those involved in the clean up process.

The fire which started in Warrumbungle National Park a week ago was responsible for the destruction of fifty-three homes. Everyone in the area needs to be well aware of the risk because many rural properties and even some urban properties are believed to contain asbestos. When these properties are destroyed by fire, they become a danger because exposure to asbestos can result in people contracting asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. This asbestos risk needs to be dealt with properly and all those involved with the clean up of Coonabarbran must be wearing protective clothing.

With the number of new mesothelioma cases expected to rise within the next decade, these precautions are extremely important to try and reduce the incidence of mesothelioma in Australia and the incidence of mesothelioma in NSW.

Inspired by the Australian Broadcasting Commission drama series ‘Devil’s Dust’, at least 80 former Bendix workers have signed up to a register of those who may suffer from an asbestos-related condition following asbestos exposure at a factory in the Victorian town of Ballarat.

Some orkers received prolonged exposure to asbestos, some for years on end. Asbestos exposure can lead to the onset of an asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.

Some workers would routinely handle both white asbestos and the more hazardous blue asbestos, often in poorly ventilated rooms. Some employees recall throwing balls of asbestos at each other.

Inspired by the ABC’s portrayal of the James Hardie saga, over 80 employees have signed up for a database.

Asbestos compensation in Australia has been paid to numerous brake workers who developed an associated asbestos condition. Such Australian asbestos legal claims have helped former workers who worked with brake linings and developed asbestos conditions.

A home in Eungella, Queensland has been completely destroyed after a fire ripped through the house on 15 January 2013 in the early hours of the morning. Firefighters were called to the scene however they were unable to go into the fire because the house contained so much asbestos that would put their health at risk. The only thing firefighters could do at that point was stop the fire moving to any of the neighboring homes.

All that remains of the home is a pile of rubble and asbestos. This site is now a safety concern, because even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead to an individual contracting an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma.

With the number of new mesothelioma cases expected to increase within the next decade, it is extremely important that these types of dangerous situations are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Queensland and indeed Australian firefighters always need to ensure they do not inhale asbestos. Care needs to be taken not only during a fire, but also in the clean up operations. Many homes in Australia built prior to the mid 1980s contain asbestos. Australian firefighters in the past have made mesothelioma compensation claims in Australia following exposure to asbestos during the course of their work.