The average age of occupational exposure to asbestos for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is 23 years of age.
Keeping tradespeople physically safe from asbestos is just one part of looking after their wellbeing. Their mental health is just as important, and both rely on having safe worksites.
Every tradesperson should have a safe work environment, which is why understanding and managing risks like asbestos is essential.
Increasing awareness in the construction industry is a vital part of helping reduce the ongoing impact of asbestos.
Asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) were widespread in the building, industrial, commercial, manufacturing and automotive industries. MADDA works with industry bodies to mandate and create effective training for those working in the construction industry. MADDA also works with our Industry Partners to create a greater focus on protection from dangerous dusts in the workplace.
In 2017, Reflections (now MADDA) initiated a review of the curriculum for pre-apprentices and trainees in the building and construction industry in partnership with the Construction Training Fund (CTF).
As a result of a collaborative workshop, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and industry stakeholders agreed to adopt a consistent approach to training around asbestos awareness. Reviewing the uptake of the resources later that year, it became apparent that the best way to ensure trainees were given adequate training, was to embed a core unit into the curriculum. Reflections (now MADDA) and the CTF developed a specific Asbestos Module that provides the key information in a highly digestible and testable format.
This module has been made available to RTOs as well as organisations. If you would like to find out more about how you or your people can access this content, please get in touch with us. We are able to provide it to you in multiple formats depending on the size of your organisation and the infrastructure you have available.
An asbestos register that lists all assumed or identified asbestos is required for workplaces and buildings built before a certain date.
Before starting any work, the register should be consulted to identify where dangerous materials can be found. It is likely most tradies regularly come across asbestos, particularly when working on residential homes. Homeowners or tenants may be unaware if asbestos is present as residential homes are not required to have an asbestos register. If you are employed by someone, it is their responsibility to comply with WHS laws.
If you think you have come across asbestos or believe asbestos in the workplace is unsafe, notify your employer or health and safety representative immediately. If you’re still concerned, contact the work health and safety regulator in your state or territory. Whilst WHS laws are similar around Australia, there are some important differences between the states. Consult the Safe Work Australia website to check the laws in your state.
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is the best resource for information regarding asbestos. Below are links to some key resources for general use and for specific industries.
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