Our friends and colleagues three former employees of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ( ABC) died tragically. They were exposed to asbestos while working on and in the network’s previous headquarters in Elsternwick. These recent deaths are likely linked to exposures sustained between the 1950s and 1980s. This case has led to significant anxiety over the situation and the impacts of asbestos exposure on former employees. It prompts concerns for those who laboured in other ABC sites, such as Melbourne’s Broadcast House.
ABC Managing Director, Hugh Marks, said the organisation’s “deep concern” was the number of fatalities. He said the deaths were “horrific.” What’s more, he was sensitive to the fear this creates for current and former staff. In his statement, Marks highlighted the group’s years of dedication to delivering relief to victims and families impacted by diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
Ongoing Asbestos Concerns
Asbestos exposure has been a huge issue for workplaces and buildings all over Australia. ABC officials acknowledged that 13 active sites continue to house asbestos in place, where it is being proactively controlled and managed in conjunction with licensed asbestos contractors. The organization’s goal is to make sure that employees working in these buildings are not exposed and thus put at risk.
Marks stated, “We completely understand how this situation can create anxiety … unfortunately, the community has been faced with this issue for a long time and health impact on individuals and their families from the widespread use of these products has been a great tragedy.”
We’re pleased that the ABC has agreed to act. They will be conducting outreach to current and former staff who may have been impacted, so stay tuned. In tandem with Medact, they’ll provide access to specialist medical support for people affected by asbestos-related diseases.
Calls for Legal Reform
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) isn’t waiting passively in the wake of these calamities. They are demanding passage of legislation that would require employers to eliminate asbestos from workplaces and public buildings. The ACTU’s position speaks to the real, urgent need for improved protections and for workplaces throughout the country. The organization calls for protections for workers who are exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos, putting their health at risk.
Comcare administers compensation claims for ABC employees who were exposed to asbestos. This arm of government insurance covers work-related injuries and illnesses due to dangerous workplace toxins. It gets a little murkier… Comcare administers claims for many other government-funded agencies, including ABC.
Assurance of Safety Measures
ABC executives confirmed the ongoing presence of asbestos and management processes during Senate estimates on Tuesday. They promised stakeholders that the organization would do everything that it could to keep safety at the forefront in all of its facilities. ABC believes that with constant monitoring and risk management, asbestos can be dealt with safely at active sites. Or that they are committed to protecting the health of their workforce.
