25 November, 2009AMWU publishes an Australia version of the global Occupational Cancer Zero Cancer booklet, a union guide to prevent exposure to cancer causing risks in the workplace.
AUSTRALIA: As part of its "No Workplace Cancer" campaign, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) published a local version of the Occupational Cancer, Zero Cancer booklet first produced by the International Metalworkers' Federation in 2007.
The new publication takes information from the global booklet and applies it to the Australian context, taking account of Australian laws on occupational safety and regulations on chemicals.
In Australia it is estimated that 60,000 people will have died as a result of asbestos related disease by 2020. Despite knowing in the 1930s of the deadly nature of asbestos, Australia did not ban the importation and exportation of asbestos until December 2003.
"It took decades of campaigning to get this far with asbestos. But we are still introducing new substances and new technologies to workplaces without the necessary investigations and precautions," said Dave Oliver, AMWU National Secretary.
The release of the new booklet coincides with Asbestos Awareness Week in Victoria, Australia from November 23 to 27. The week serves as a potent reminder of the effects of asbestos and provides an opportunity to remember and support the families affected by asbestos-related diseases. Elected occupational health and safety reps also use the week to check that their employer is complying with legal requirements.
A copy of the Australian booklet is available on the IMF website here.
A copy of the global Occupational Cancer, Zero Cancer in English, French, Spanish and Russian can be found here.
Also see: www.imfmetal.org/cancer