Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral and can typically be found in rock, sediment or soil.
It has strong fibres that are heat resistant and have good insulating properties. Because of its properties, asbestos was once considered very useful for building products.
While it is now banned in Australia, it can still be found in a range of materials in Australia including fibro, flue pipes, drains, roofs, gutters, brakes, clutches and gaskets. The occupations most at risk of exposure to asbestos are trades workers, labourers and machinery operators and drivers.
Data from the infographic
Between 2010-11 and 2014-15:
- 176 Australians have been compensated for asbestos-related claims, totalling to $85 million in payments.
- Industries affected:
- 24% construction
- 20% manufacturing
- 9% public administration and safety
- The asbestos disorders claimed:
- 37% mesothelioma
- 32% asbestosis
- 9% exposure to substance without injury or disease apparent
- Occupations most at risk:
- 44% technicians and trades workers (formal qualification)
- 26% labourers
- 10% machinery operators and drivers
Who is this seminar for?
This infographic is of interest to managers and supervisors of workers who work with or are exposed to asbestos; workers in the construction, manufacturing and public administration and safety industries; work health and safety advisors; and medical professionals.
About the presenters
Safe Work Australia collects data and conducts research into serious claims for workers’ compensation and serious work-related illnesses.
Additional resources
- Safe Work Australia’s National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics
- Safe Work Australia Asbestos page
- Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency
- Australian Mesothelioma Registry
- Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
- Managing the importation of goods and materials containing asbestos
- Rapid Response Protocol
