Why You Should Care about Asbestos in the Workplace?

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In the office, a majority of your thought process throughout the day involves anything work-related, including how you interact with different personalities you encounter. While all this is in motion, you tend to ignore the subtle dangers posed by health hazards you may not be aware of. In Brisbane and all other parts of Australia, asbestos is still prevalent in some buildings, and it’s not easily identified especially by untrained eyes.

Asbestos 101

The usage of asbestos gained popularity back in the 19th century when builders discovered its fire-retardant properties. It was immediately identified as a staple of building materials, and it was used in most office buildings and homes. Several decades ago, it was discovered that the fibrous characteristic of asbestos led to respiratory diseases, eventually forcing the government to ban its use at the turn of the century. Today, asbestos removal has become one of the demanding industries that keep suppliers busy, in line with the effort of business owners to comply with building codes and regulations.

Diseases related to asbestos

The first documented case of its dangers involved a construction worker who had trouble breathing while tearing down a structure. Asbestos is only unsafe when disturbed, because once the fibres escape to the environment, the people in the room unknowingly breathe them into their lungs. The fibres cling to the walls of the lungs and they settle in, ready to cause damage. As time passes, the lungs lose their functionality and eventually fail, deeming it too late for the person to even think of going to the doctor. Back then, inhalation almost always guaranteed death for the victim.

Workplace incidents

If not identified immediately, asbestos can cause sickness to unsuspecting employees. Pipes and walls could have been constructed with asbestos, and they wear down with time. Respiratory problems are not diagnosed immediately, leading to missing work days and affecting office operations. It becomes even more of a problem because not everyone is aware of how to handle cases involving asbestos-related diseases.

Legal implications

Companies are required by law to keep their premises safe from the dangers of asbestos and the diseases connected to the material. Public liability cases can necessitate long hours of research and gathering of evidence before the case is presented in court. You need to ensure that the corporate firm you hire has the legal expertise and experience to deal with special circumstances such as those related to asbestos.

Non-profit initiatives such as the Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Qld Inc (QARDSS) focus on dealing with any issues regarding the subject, and it’s advisable to contact them regarding any inquiries you have about asbestos. They can also refer you to law firms who can help you build your case.

Asbestos in the workplace is a big issue that is not given much attention in the media, so it’s up to you to keep yourself and family informed of its dangers. Take time to read and research on the subject so that you’re prepared if there is ever a need to resort to legal steps in the future.

Katherine Flowers

Katherine Flowers documents her experiences with various office environments and looks for ways to improve work dynamics. She talked to asbestos lawyers in Brisbane and hopes to help make buildings safer for employees.