The NSW Government will tackle increasing mesothelioma rates by tasking WorkCover, and a co-ordinated group of State authorities, with managing the risks posed by asbestos in the workplace and the broader environment.
Employers warned after five Victorian and Queensland work deaths; Western Australian employers fined after untrained holiday worker loses leg; Employer fined for lack of fencing at asbestos site; and Safety and legislation news from around Australia.
Victoria's average premium rate to remain static; Employer fined for sloppy response to improvement notices; and New Tasmanian asbestos rules and transport guides released.
Comcare reintroduces recess compensation; Petroleum employers to pay three new safety levies; and Tasmania calls for comments on no-fault asbestos compensation Bill.
Flood-affected Queenslanders have been urged to exercise extreme caution when dealing with electrical equipment and asbestos-containing materials during the floods and clean-up period.
The number of asbestos-related deaths in NSW will soon dwarf the annual road toll, Ombudsman Bruce Barbour has warned in calling for a State-wide asbestos-eradication plan. But a medical breakthrough announced on this, the first day of Asbestos Awareness Week, offers hope for mesothelioma victims.