• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • List Stock
Monday, June 23, 2025
Newsletter
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • Latest News
  • Features
    • Cover Story
    • Up Front
    • Waste Management In Action
    • Council in Focus
    • Rules and Regulations
    • International
    • Product Spotlight
    • Last Word
    • Profile
    • Events
    • Sustainability in Business
  • Events
  • White Paper
  • Magazine
  • Awards
    • WIRA
    • WII
    • Foundation Awards
No Results
View All Results
  • Latest News
  • Features
    • Cover Story
    • Up Front
    • Waste Management In Action
    • Council in Focus
    • Rules and Regulations
    • International
    • Product Spotlight
    • Last Word
    • Profile
    • Events
    • Sustainability in Business
  • Events
  • White Paper
  • Magazine
  • Awards
    • WIRA
    • WII
    • Foundation Awards
No Results
View All Results
Home

Effectiveness of asbestos-related regulation in Australia

by Waste Management Review
April 11, 2016
in Features, Magazine, Regulation Review
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
WCRA

Asbestos handling will be one of the key issues to be addressed by WCRA in 2023.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Dr Sittimont Kanjanabootra and Francis Grennan from University of Newcastle, NSW, provide a summary of their analysis of research on the effectiveness of asbestos regulations in Australia, which has an impact for those in the hazardous waste removal, transportation and disposal sectors.

According to the NSW Ombudsman in 2010, one 
of the biggest consumers of asbestos in Australia from the 1920s was the construction industry, who used it as an additive to cement-based products in insulation, vinyl and asbestos containing materials (ACMs). These ACMs were used prolifically from 1920 to 1987, with consumption peaking in 1970, although the exact number of buildings containing them is unknown.

In 2012, the Australian Government estimated that tens of thousands of buildings contained asbestos, with most still around today. The major outcome of this is having to manage it safely when demolishing or renovating buildings. It is now a significant waste management issue.

All states and territories in Australia have structures to compensate workers injured by dust-related disease, including asbestosis. Combining data from all of them on asbestosis claims is difficult, as each follows different rules.

Therefore the focus of this research was limited to NSW. To try and understand the effectiveness of regulatory change relating to asbestos use in Australian construction, we analysed data from the NSW Dust Diseases Board – which provides compensation to workers disabled by a work-related dust disease in NSW – together with data from several other studies published between 2010 and 2013.

To check asbestosis compensation claims against the introduction
of regulations, we referred to the NSW regulatory system, as these are consistent with the level of the state’s compensation claims. The regulatory regime relating to asbestos use in NSW is summarised in Table 1.

Undertaking the analysis

We reviewed the data collected from the NSW Dust Diseases Board to work out the number of new claims for asbestosis disease from 1990 to 2012, and adjusted them for a 15-year latency period to show the date of exposure for the workers who claimed in the period.

We then compiled the data relating to asbestos regulations and coded it by the date when each was introduced. This allowed us to note any changes in exposure rates after new rules came in and compare exposure levels in 1990 and 2012, therefore assessing the overall trend in exposure between the regulated and unregulated periods.

The information was then compared against the National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics contained in the Safe Work Australia study, “Asbestos-related disease indicators 2012”, to reveal the consistency of NSW data against that from the rest of the country.

Findings

The study shows that in NSW the effects of regulation changes relating to asbestos fluctuated and were inconsistent (Figure 1), with levels
in 2012 similar to 1990. The lowest was nine in 1991 and 46 in 2003.

However, Safe Work Australia’s 2012 report of the prevalence of asbestosis in Australia from 2002-2010
(see Figure 2), which combines data from the NSW Dust Diseases Board with all other states, territories
 and Commonwealth compensation agencies, also shows fluctuations,
but a decline overall. The numbers peaked at more than 300 in 2003, falling to 150 in 2010.

In terms of awareness, in their 2010 research, Pratt and his team interviewed plumbers, carpenters, painters and electricians, 92 per cent of whom were self-employed. They concluded that despite workers being aware of the danger of asbestos and concerned about exposure, their level of compliance was low. This was
due to a belief among workers that they could identify asbestos in the workplace.

They were complacent about removal procedures and clean-ups, with some workers adopting poor or no personal protection practices, and few workers were familiar with the regulations surrounding the removal and handling of asbestos.

Similarly, Park and team’s 2013 study, which surveyed both DIY and non-DIY renovators, concluded that the majority did not know if their home contained asbestos and over 65 per cent had exposure incidents. Of the DIY group, 31.6 per cent had not used any form of personal protection equipment.

Australian Government data from 2012 confirms this continuing exposure and subsequent effects
of a steady increase in deaths from mesothelioma (Figure 3).

Analysis conclusions: a snapshot

In summary, the research highlights the dangers associated with asbestos and supports the rationale for introducing regulations.

The results for the primary data on asbestosis compensation claims from NSW and the national data secondary source, indicates that there is a decline in asbestosis claims from 2003-2012 among employed workers. This corresponds with the introduction of regulations in 1987, 1990 and 1996.

The NHEWS study conducted in 2008 also indicated a low level of asbestos exposure (0.3 per cent) among the 4,500 workers who took part in the study.

Taking into account the three studies, it is reasonable to assume that the regulations are having a positive effect on exposure levels. This is significant for the waste management industry as the risk of exposure is still evident, albeit a declining risk.

The research also indicates that while the current regulations have reduced the risk of exposure to some workers, poor management and implementation suggests that risks may remain high among the self-employed and homeowners, and that deaths from mesothelioma are still increasing, again a significant risk issue for the waste management industry.

The inconsistencies across the data show that the effectiveness of regulations related to handling of asbestos contaminated construction materials is at best variable. There appears to be a renewed need for re-education and further access to training for all those whose professional work or DIY practices could expose them to asbestos in known or unknown circumstances.

For details of the references used in this analysis of research, contact the Editor at annmarie.unwin@primecreative. com.au.

To obtain more details on the study, contact Dr Sittimont Kanjanabootra direct by email at sittimont.kanjanabootra@newcastle.edu.au.

NSW law and regulatory changes around asbestos

 

Approved asbestosis disease claims made to Dust Dieases Board NSW

 

Compensation claims for asbestosis from 2002-10Deaths due to mesothelioma in Australia, 1997-2010

Premium Ad
16

$616,000

2023 TEREX FINLAY J960A JAW CRUSHER

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Crusher
  • » Class: Jaw Crusher
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Burpengary, QLD

Location marker The shape of a location marker

Delivery ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS & VIC

07 3106 7395
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
2

$335,000

2020 MCCLOSKEY S190

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Screener
  • » Class: Double Deck
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wacol, QLD

07 3073 8201
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
1
Private Advertiser

$80,000

2013 KIRPY KIRPY ROCK CRUSHER

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Crusher
  • » Class: Crushing Mobile
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Port Pirie South, SA

**** *** 071
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
9
Private Advertiser

$200,000

2021 BARFORD T516 TRACKED TROMMEL

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Screener
  • » Class: Trommel Screens
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Nymagee, NSW

**** *** 902
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
1

$30

2021 DYNAMIC EZ SKIRT

  • » Listing Type: New
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Port Adelaide, SA

08 7099 2506
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
6
Private Advertiser

$19,000

FINLAY 312FINL

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Screener
  • » Class: Vibrating Screens
  • » Application: Stationary
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Steiglitz, QLD

**** *** 707
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
3

$280,000

2020 MCCLOSKEY S130

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Screener
  • » Class: Double Deck
  • » Application: Mobile
  • » Capacity - tonnes/h: up to 500tph
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wacol, QLD

07 3073 8201
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
3

$575,000

2020 MCCLOSKEY J50V2

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Crusher
  • » Class: Jaw Crusher
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Wacol, QLD

07 3073 8201
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
6
Private Advertiser

$110,000

2012 TEREX TC 1000

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Crusher
  • » Class: Cone
  • » Application: Stationary
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Ebor, NSW

**** *** 416
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
4
Private Advertiser

$33,000

CUSTOM CUSTOM

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Screener
  • » Class: Screenboxes
  • » Application: Mobile
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Peak Crossing, QLD

**** *** 571
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
2

$15

SAND WASHING WEAR PARTS SUIT TRIO, EAGLE, DYNAMIC, M&Q, GATOR AND OTHERS

  • » Listing Type: New
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Port Adelaide, SA

08 7099 2506
MORE DETAILS
Premium Ad
2

$8,400

2024 DYNAMIC OVERBAND MAGNET - NEW

  • » Listing Type: New
  • » Category: Crusher
  • » Class: Magnets
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Port Adelaide, SA

08 7099 2506
MORE DETAILS

Related Posts

Aussie Industries

Aussie Industries: A company built on people, service and values

by Lisa Korycki
June 18, 2025

Aussie Industries, encompassing Aussie Skips and Aussie Recycling, has established itself as a significant and expanding brand within the waste...

coffs waste

City of Coffs Harbour unveils ambitious waste strategy

by Lisa Korycki
June 17, 2025

The City of Coffs Harbour is embarking on a transformative journey towards smarter waste and resource management with the recent...

Confusing labels

‘Confusing’ labels cause unnecessary food waste: RMIT University, End Food Waste Australia

by Jennifer Pittorino
June 12, 2025

‘Confusing’ food labels are driving Australians to throw away perfectly edible food, costing households money and contributing to the nation’s...

Join our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.
Waste Management Review is the specialist magazine for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sectors in Australia.

Subscribe to our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.

About Waste Management Review

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • List Your Equipment Today
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Collection Notice

Popular Topics

  • News
  • Features
  • Waste Management In Action
  • Product Spotlight
  • Profiles
  • Up Front
  • Last Word
  • Events

Our TraderAds Network

  • Arbor Age
  • Australian Car Mechanic
  • Australian Mining
  • Australian Resources & Investment
  • Big Rigs
  • Bulk Handling Review
  • Bus News
  • Cranes & Lifting
  • Earthmoving Equipment Magazine
  • EcoGeneration
  • Energy Today
  • Food & Beverage
  • Fully Loaded
  • Global Trailer
  • Inside Construction
  • Inside Waste
  • Inside Water
  • Landscape Contractor Magazine
  • Manufacturers' Monthly
  • MHD Supply Chain
  • National Collision Repairer
  • OwnerDriver
  • Power Torque
  • Prime Mover Magazine
  • Quarry
  • Roads Online
  • Rail Express
  • Safe To Work
  • The Australian Pipeliner
  • Trade Earthmovers
  • Trade Farm Machinery
  • Trade Plant Equipment
  • Trade Trucks
  • Trade Unique Cars
  • Tradie Magazine
  • Trailer Magazine
  • Trenchless Australasia
  • Waste Management Review

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited

No Results
View All Results
NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Features
    • Cover Story
    • Up Front
    • Waste Management In Action
    • Council in Focus
    • Rules and Regulations
    • International
    • Product Spotlight
    • Last Word
    • Profile
    • Events
    • Sustainability in Business
  • Events
  • White Paper
  • Magazine
    • Subscribe
  • Awards
    • WIRA
    • WII
    • Foundation Awards
  • Marketplace
  • List Your Equipment Today
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited