Workers, while constructing a new rail line that is being built through Melbourne’s West, have discovered a large amount of asbestos along the route. Unfortunately, some of the workers were unaware of the dangers that asbestos poses once inhaled, and therefore dealt with the asbestos in an unsafe manner.

Fairfax Media conducted a WorkSafe report regarding the construction of this new rail line. The report has revealed that workers on the Regional Rail Link have made a “number of unexpected finds” of asbestos.

However, this discovery of asbestos is not unexpected. It was recognised early on that the $5 billion rail project was to take place through an existing rail corridor. This rail corridor was constructed sometime before the 1980s, which means that it was likely to contain asbestos. Before construction took place, officials and asbestos experts mapped out the ‘hot spots’ of where asbestos was likely to be discovered.

The authority has previously assured the public that any asbestos discovered on the site had been dealt with in an experienced manner. However in May 2013, contractors Thiess in Sunshine discovered fragments of asbestos in the area the ‘hot spot’ locations that had not yet been removed. Unfortunately the asbestos was unknowingly handled by some Thiess building workers.

Once asbestos is disturbed, it releases dangerous air particles. The inhalation of these toxic air particles can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos related diseases.

Once WorkSafe was alerted of this asbestos issue, they conducted another report on May 9 and recommended that more needed to be done to prevent the exposure of asbestos to workers.

In Australia many former rail workers have made a claim for mesothelioma compensation in Australia. Such workers have also made claims for asbestosis compensation in Australia. This demonstrates that the railways in Australia, certanily in the past, have been a dangerous place for such workers. Asbestos related diseases in Australia have affected many people. Many Australians unfortunately suffer asbestos conditions in Australia.

The Canadian government has been known in the past to defend the chrysotile asbestos industry. It was the last western power that endorsed the use of asbestos worldwide. The general public was outraged when the Canadian government blocked the listing of chrysotile asbestos in the 2011 Rotterdam Convention.

Due to public pressure and the closure of Canada’s last asbestos mine in 2012, Canada has finally stopped defending the hazardous material. In the 2012 Rotterdam Convention, for the first time, Canada remained neutral. Unfortunately, seven other countries – namely, Russia, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Ukraine – still support the use and shipping of chrysotile asbestos worldwide. This is the fourth time that the Rotterdam Convention has attempted to tighten the shipping regulations of asbestos, and although a large majority of the nations attending the conference supported the listing of this dangerous substance, protocol requires unanimity in this decision.

The reason why many nations support the use of asbestos is because it is financially rewarding. It is cost-effective and extremely versatile. Russia refuses to support the listing of chrysotile asbestos because it is the largest producer in the world of this substance. Only last year, Russia produced approximately one million tons of this toxic substance, more than double than that in China, which is the second largest producer. Zimbabwe refuses to support the listing of chrysotile asbestos because it plans to re-open one of its asbestos mines sometime in the near future.

The danger with asbestos is once inhaled, it can lead to mesothelioma. There is a long latency period between initial exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma development, and unfortunately, there is no known mesothelioma treatment available. In refusing to list chrysotile asbestos, these nations are prolonging the hazards of asbestos, and its legacy will continue to affect many generations to come.

Mesothelioma in Australia is only known too well. Many cases of mesothelioma in Australia have been made for decades. Mesothelioma treatment in Australia is constantly being researched due to the dreadful impact it has had on our county.

Safework SA and the Environmental Protection Authority have conducted an audit regarding asbestos in South Australia. Their findings resulted in 74 complaint notices being issued to 11 licensed asbestos removers.

It has been revealed by Bryan Russell, Safework SA executive director, that this audit was merely the first stage of a statewide plan to audit over 70 licensed asbestos removers in South Australia.

Russell claims that the long term goal is to remove asbestos entirely from all workplaces. He acknowledges this will take time and commitment, however Safework SA is working steadily towards ensuring the ‘safest possible processes are in place to manage asbestos in its current form’.

Russell further stresses that asbestos removers should not become complacent in their field of work. Since asbestos is such a dangerous material that can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis, it is imperative that asbestos removers and those associated with the asbestos industry maintain extreme caution at all times.

Fortunately, most companies have been co-operative regarding these audits, and are willing to improve their methods in order to ensure the well-being of their staff and of the public.

In South Australia, mesothelioma compensation in South Australia and asbestosis compensation in South Australia is often available to those who unfortunately do contract asbestos related conditions.

Asbestos related conditions in South Australia have impacted the lives of many persons. The South Australian government enacted legislation to assist those suffering asbestos conditions in South Australia make compensation claim for asbestosis in South Australia and compensation claim for mesothelioma in South Australia somewhat easier.

A report into asbestos at Hakea Prison in Western Australia has found the asbestos poses a serious health risk to prisoners, staff and the community and it will cost taxpayers $2.5 million to fix the problem. Material contaminated with asbestos was discovered in the roofs of seven blocks with the risk of exposure being medium to high in most of them.

Most of the asbestos found can become a powder over time and it is suggested that this type of asbestos be removed immediately. The work that is said to cost $2.5 million is expected to be undertaken soon as safety is the major priority.

Western Australian shadow corrective services minister Paul Papalia has also spoken out about the situation. Calling for a register to be created which will outline which prisoners and staff members have been or may have been exposed to asbestos so the necessary health checks can be conducted. This is extremely important as anybody exposed to asbestos is at risk of contracting an asbestos related disease such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. Many people in Australia are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos conditions each year.