Australian organization criticized for failing to observe asbestos regulations

November 5, 2009

In Australia, the WorkSafe organization is facing harsh criticism after they failed to properly investigate an incident at an East Melbourne hospital. During the incident, workers were exposed to asbestos at the Mercy Hospital site. Two men at the site were sawing through concrete that contained asbestos, resulting in the release of asbestos dust into the air.

Inhalation of airborne asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lungs, abdomen, and even the lining of the heart. The cancer can lie in wait for decades before symptoms begin to develop. There is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, and pallative mesothelioma treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or resectable surgery, are a patient’s only options.

Reports state that work at the Mercy Hospital site was stopped for 3½ days after the incident. However, according to the Victorian Building Industry Disputes Panel, it is believed a WorkSafe inspector ”did not personally examine the affected areas” for asbestos.

The panel also noted that the WorkSafe inspector failed to note that the asbestos audit and register of developer was out of date, a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt denied the allegations, saying that the inspector only spoke to the employer on the site, and not any of the affected employees. Birt also told reporters that ”no further investigation” was anticipated regarding the actions of Salta, the developer, for not updating their asbestos handling registration.

Removal of friable asbestos is required by law in the United States. Millions of residences and commercial structures contain asbestos products, including attic insulation and drywall. While there are strict regulations for its use in place in the US, few countries have banned the substance. Under the law, a licensed asbestos abatement professional must conduct the removal of any asbestos materials in an effort to limit exposures.

In the US, less than 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually, but in other countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, the rates of asbestos disease are far higher.