Master Builders is supporting calls made by unions for establishing a national asbestos unit to raise community awareness about asbestos and to develop a long-term national strategy to deal with the potentially deadly outcomes for people in the industry.
“Master Builders agrees with the AMWU and ACTU that a national approach is needed to properly address the legacy of widespread asbestos use in Australia. The projected figures for deaths from asbestos-related diseases are disturbing,” said Master Builders’ CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.
“Master Builders would welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with government, unions and other stakeholders to develop an appropriate national strategy for the longer-term management of asbestos in Australia.
“Master Builders cautions, however, that accelerated removal of asbestos from buildings will expose workers involved in the removal, transport and disposal to risks to their health. There are also very real practical considerations about how to dispose of large amounts of asbestos that will need to be resolved.
“Raising community awareness about asbestos would be a core role of any national asbestos unit. The community needs to understand where asbestos is likely to be present and how to ensure that they are not exposed to risks to their health from improper handling of asbestos.” Mr Harnisch said
“It is particularly important that home owners who are intending to renovate have a good understanding of asbestos. One in every three houses in Australia built before 1985 will have asbestos. Most home owners buy a house with the intention of making changes and do so soon after buying.
“If there is any doubt about safely renovating even a small part of a home, professional advice should be sought,” he concluded.