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.
