The South Australian government has shown its support for asbestos safety in response to the alarming increase in popularity of do-it-yourself home renovations in Australia.
Many Australians are putting themselves at risk when they undertake their own home renovation work, as the majority houses that were built prior to 1984 contain asbestos products. The concern of course is that even a small amount of exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma.
The South Australian Minister for Industrial relations, Russell Wortley, who is advised by South Australia’s Asbestos Advisory Committee, has expressed concerns for these Australians.
In order to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos in South Australia, Mr Wortley recently announced the formation of a home renovator task force, an initiative of SafeWork SA.
The task force is made up of representatives from the South Australian Asbestos Advisory Committee, the South Australian Asbestos Coalition and the asbestos removal industry, among others, and facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and options regarding the issue of asbestos.
Last month SafeWork SA and the South Australian Asbestos Coalition provided a staffed Asbestos Awareness in the Home display at the Master Builders SA Building and Home Improvement show, which was held in Adelaide and attracted nearly 20,000 people.
The South Australian government has also pledged its ongoing support for other initiatives that promote asbestos awareness, such as the Asbestos Victims Memorial Day and the Asbestos Awareness Week each November. South Australian sufferers of mesothelioma and other asbestos conditions, along with the families of those who passed away from such asbestos conditions attend such services. For more information, contact the Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia. See their website www.adssa-inc.com.au
