The Phase-out of Asbestos in the Australian Manufacturing Environment

Author: Vallance, Deborah A.

Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Number 2, April/June 2004 , pp. 209-211(3)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Buy & download fulltext article:

The full text is free.

View now:

PDF 143.7kb

Abstract:

The importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products into Australia was banned at the end of 2003. Despite a high incidence of asbestos-related disease, it was the threat of industrial action that eventually persuaded Australian governments to impose a ban. Significant government-sponsored reports In 1990 and 1999 had not convinced politicians that a phase out of chrysotile was feasible. An impediment for government and industry was the risk of unemployment of asbestos workers. The threat of future asbestos exposures remains for maintenance workers. An example is given of the need for continued vigilance of workers and their unions before the manufactunng environment can be relatively asbestos-free.

Articles that cite this article?

Keywords: employment; ban on imports; unions; asbestos

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 2004-04-01

More about this publication?