Safe Work Australia releases 2023 ‘Interim Review of the List of Deemed Disease in Australia’ report

Safe Work Australia has recently released the '2023 Interim Review of the List of Deemed Disease in Australia' report, alongside an updated List of Deemed Diseases in Australia and Supporting Guidance Material.

The federal safety regulator confirms this review concentrated on analysing recent scientific findings related to COVID-19, firefighting-related cancers, Japanese encephalitis, and other animal diseases affecting workplace safety.

Key Updates to the Deemed Diseases List

Based on review findings, Safe Work Australia's list has been updated to include malignant mesothelioma and bladder cancer linked to firefighting, while removing COVID-19 from deemed disease coverage.

These changes reflect ongoing efforts to align workplace health protections with current evidence on occupational hazards faced by frontline responders and other exposed personnel.

Why Firefighting Cancers Matter for Deemed Disease Coverage

Malignant mesothelioma, historically associated with asbestos exposure, now appears alongside bladder cancer as recognised firefighting-related conditions under the updated deemed diseases framework.

Firefighters face unique occupational hazards throughout their careers, including exposure to asbestos fibres during structural fires and toxic combustion byproducts that accumulate over years of service.

This recognition strengthens protections for emergency responders whose health outcomes are directly tied to cumulative exposure risks inherent in their profession.

COVID-19 Removed From the List

Safe Work Australia's decision to remove COVID-19 reflects updated scientific understanding gathered since the pandemic first prompted its inclusion on the deemed diseases register.

This shift demonstrates how the regulator continuously reassesses safety classifications as new research and health data become available across affected industries.

What This Means for Safety Professionals

Technical professionals across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors should review these updates carefully, particularly where asbestos-related hazards or firefighting duties intersect with daily operations.

For further context on historical changes to this list, read our related coverage: Safe Work Australia releases review of the 2015 Deemed Diseases Report.

Organisations seeking broader strategic context may also find value in Safe Work Australia's Australian WHS Strategy 2023-2033 Baseline Report, which outlines longer-term national safety priorities.

Businesses managing asbestos removal or handling tasks should ensure compliance documentation stays current — explore practical guidance through our Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) resources for structured, site-specific safety planning.

Staying Informed on Regulatory Changes

Safe Work Australia periodically issues updated reports affecting deemed disease classifications, and staying informed helps employers maintain robust compliance frameworks.

Our team encourages readers to review Safe Work Australia's new yearly report release for additional insights into evolving national workplace safety priorities.

Learn more about the 2023 Interim Review directly from Safe Work Australia's official safeworkaustralia.gov.au resources.