AWU wants asbestos program

Date: 18 March 2009

The Australian Workers Union has called on the Tasmanian government to adopt an aggressive asbestos removal strategy for all workplaces - especially school classrooms.

" Every day Tasmanian workers and their families are inhaling asbestos fibres from aged and deteriorating asbestos containing materials," Ian Wakefield, AWU Tasmania Secretary, warned today.

Exporting from one generation to the next

" Our state government, along with other governments across Australia, hides behind a flawed ‘ safe asbestos program' which talks about leaving it in place and not disturbing it.

" It's called ‘risk management' but in reality it means exporting the asbestos risk in the old materials across from one generation of workers to the next generation - without once and for all removing it.

Good local jobs

" We believe the State Government can create good local jobs with some of the Federal Governments proposed economic stimulus dollars by adopting an asbestos removal plan - and training and employing people to implement the plan," Ian Wakefield said.

" The people employed would not only remove the asbestos but also install environmentally friendly improved building insulation.

Improve health and safety, do something for the environment

" This becomes not just an opportunity to create jobs, improve the health and safety of all workers in the state, It becomes an opportunity for Tasmania to do something effective for our environment," Ian Wakefield said.

" The AWU is calling for the commencement of what may be a three decade long removal program for all workplaces ( including schools).

" We need to designate all sites with a green, amber or red asbestos identifier which stipulates how long before the material must be removed.

" Red designated areas mean that people are right now being exposed and these areas must come under a complete ban," Ian Wakefield said.

What the Tasmanian AWU is asking for

Ian Wakefield said that the AWU is campaigning for four key develpments in the state :

•  a centralised asbestos register
•  more education in all workplaces and the wider community about the crisis
•  a rigid inspection regime; and
•  an exposure letter sent to all Tasmanians who have already been exposed to asbestos

Read earlier AWU Tasmania reports on asbestos

• Asbestos study: A joint Cement Australia and AWU project commences

For further information

Contact:	Ian Wakefield, Secretary
Union:	AWU Tasmania
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

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