The World Health Organisation estimates that at least 107,000 people die from asbestos diseases each and every year. Everyone needs to learn and to be aware of the real hazards and health risks of asbestos. Comply with Section 39 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011.

The introduction of new Work Health and Safety Legislation throughout Australia that came into effect on 1 January 2012 creates and enforces a much stronger responsibility upon employers, being for profit or non-profit, to protect their staff from hazards in the workplace.

Section 39 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations require employers to train all staff in the nature of the work and the risks associated with that work. There is no greater risk in the workplace today than asbestos.

By having your staff undertake this training, you will be meet your obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulations for making staff aware of the hazards and risks posed by asbestos.

DEADLY STATISTICS

• Next to the United Kingdom, Australia has the highest rate of asbestos-related cancer deaths in the world.
• According to cancer experts, an additional 25,000 Australians are expected to die over the next four decades from mesothelioma
• In 2007, 551 Australians who registered that year died of mesothelioma. Eighty-four percent of those individuals were men.
• Experts suggest that the number of deaths from mesothelioma will peak somewhere between 2014 and 2021
• Incidence of the disease in New South Wales nearly doubled in the 20 years between 1987 and 2006.
• The rate among females in New South Wales tripled during 1987 and 2006, with many cases attributed to second-hand
• Over the period 1982 to 2006, the total number of new cases of mesothelioma increased from 156 to 649
• From 1997 the number of deaths has increased from 416 to 628 in 2006
• There was a 25% increase in accepted asbestos claims from 2003 to 2008
• Deaths from Asbestosis increased 253% from 1998 to 2008
• About 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos in their workplace
• WHO estimates that 107,00 people die each year from asbestos related lung diseases

References:
Safe Work Australia August 2010
Asbestos.com
World Health Organisation July 2010

Knowing what to look for and being aware of what could possibly contain asbestos could save not only your life, but your family, friends and staff.

Welcome to the Asbestos Awareness Training Course. The purpose of this training is to give building owners and managers, real estate agents, and staff an understanding of their obligations under asbestos regulations and to be aware of where asbestos is, what is looks like and what actions to take to keep all people safe from asbestos contamination within their workplace.

The Training has three parts:

1. The course topics, where we will present information about asbestos.
2. The assessment quiz, which is a multiple choice quiz. During this course, we will cover everything you need to know for the quiz.
3. After you complete the Training Course and pass the Assessment Quiz, you will receive a Training Certificate.