Australians urged to prioritise asbestos safety during National Asbestos Awareness Week

Australians Urged to Prioritise Asbestos Safety During National Asbestos Awareness Week

Asbestos-related diseases account for around 4000 deaths per year in Australia, making proper management of asbestos materials a critical workplace and community health issue.

Next week is National Asbestos Awareness Week, and SafeWork SA is urging Australians to comply with all existing asbestos regulations. This annual observance calls on tradies, homeowners and businesses to review their approach to asbestos management and ensure compliance with lawful disposal requirements.

Theme: 'Think Twice About Asbestos'

Theme for this year's National Asbestos Awareness Week, "Think Twice About Asbestos," acts as a reminder to tradies and homeowners to "do things the right way by ensuring proper and lawful disposal of asbestos." Effective asbestos management practices remain essential for reducing exposure risks across residential and commercial sites.

For businesses seeking practical guidance, our asbestos safety documents provide templates that support day-to-day management obligations under current legislation.

Why This Matters: SafeWork SA's Perspective

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said National Asbestos Awareness Week provides the opportunity to think about how to eliminate asbestos diseases. Robust management of asbestos-containing materials plays a direct role in preventing long-term illness among workers and residents alike.

"Australia still has one of the highest death rates of asbestos-related diseases per capita in the world," he said. Improved management practices, paired with public awareness, remain key tools for reversing this troubling statistic.

"We have a responsibility to protect the long-term future health of South Australian residents. Regulators, government departments, industry, workers, organisations and the community at large will all need to work together to make the state safe from asbestos."

Building a Culture of Asbestos Management

Strong management systems help ensure hazardous materials are identified, contained and removed safely. Below are key elements every organisation should consider as part of ongoing asbestos management:

• Regular site inspections to identify materials requiring careful management
• Clear documentation supporting safe removal and disposal management procedures
• Worker awareness programs addressing exposure risks and health impacts
• Coordination between regulators, employers and site supervisors on management responsibilities

Businesses managing asbestos on active sites can strengthen compliance using our Asbestos Awareness SWMS, designed to support consistent management of onsite hazards.

Roofing and construction crews face particular risk, given asbestos materials commonly found in older buildings. Our Asbestos Safety – Working in Roofs Safe Work Method Statement outlines management steps tailored to roof work environments.

Comparing State Approaches to Asbestos Safety

South Australia is not alone in strengthening asbestos management efforts. Neighbouring jurisdictions have taken similar steps, as detailed in our coverage of how workplaces maintain safety during National Asbestos Awareness Week. Consistent management standards across states support better outcomes nationwide.

Readers interested in prior campaigns can review our earlier coverage of National Asbestos Awareness Week, which outlines ongoing management priorities identified by regulators over recent years.

Practical Steps for Businesses and Homeowners

Effective management of asbestos risk requires collaboration between industry, regulators and the public. Organisations handling potential asbestos-containing materials should:

• Engage licensed professionals for removal and management of confirmed asbestos
• Maintain accurate registers supporting long-term management planning
• Provide staff with clear guidance on identifying materials needing management
• Review packages such as our Asbestos Safety Packages for comprehensive documentation support

Organisations tracking compliance obligations may also benefit from broader safety software solutions that support asbestos management alongside other workplace health and safety requirements.

A Shared Responsibility

Sound asbestos management depends on cooperation across every level of society, from individual tradespeople to state regulators. As Campbell noted, protecting long-term health outcomes calls for shared commitment, proper management systems and consistent lawful disposal practices.

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