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Visit our website
www.asbestos-disease.com.au
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Ray‘s Ride against asbestos goes
International
Visit Rays Ride against Asbestos www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP0q8gCeuKU
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The Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society
Committee would like to thank the following sponsors for their very
generous support of Ray‘s Ride
CFMEU - Construction and General
Turner Freeman Lawyers
Queensland Council of Unions
PFG Financial Services
Parsons Brinckerhoff
Swifts Sports Club
Shotz Corporation Pty Ltd
ACTU
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December 2011 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
President‘s Report Ray‘s Ride - A journey of
body & soul Donations Article from The Catholic
Leader. Ecumenical Service In Loving Memory Ministerial Media Statement: Safety tips this storm season Ministerial Media Statement: Single point of contact for Asbestos Information Disaster clean-up sparks
new asbestos fears Media Release: ACTU Article from the Society
Legal Adviser: Asbestos Exposure &
Compensation Thankyou Prince William and Kate,
Royal Family Bring Asbestos Abatement Into Spotlight General Notices Insert: Air Liquide Presence
tm Brochure
CONTACT Q.A.R.D.S.S
PO Box 280 SPRING HILL QLD 4004
16 Campbell Street
BOWEN HILLS QLD 4006
1800 776 412 (free call)
Web: www.asbestos-disease.com.au
Email: [email protected]
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those
involved in the planning and organisation of Ray‘s incredible
ride. Starting in Toowoomba on Monday 21st November 2011
and arriving at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane in time for
the Ecumenical Service on 25th November 2011, where we
received a very warm welcome by members, family and
friends.
Up at 4am each morning to make ready for our journey ahead
we started day 1 at The ABC radio station Toowoomba with a
6am interview which was a live cross to Brisbane, finishing in
time to travel to Bunnings Hardware on Anzac Avenue where
we were meet by the Mayor, Mr Peter Taylor, along with the
very friendly and supportive Bunnings staff, who cooked our
delicious breakfast, before we headed off to Gatton. Each day
held its own challenges and I must say the five day journey
was an incredible experience in itself. There was a lot to
concentrate on and watch out for, such as snakes on the road,
pot holes, dangerous shoulders on the road, the incredibly
dangerous footpaths to name but a few. Then there was the
traffic. At the beginning of each day a message was sent out to
the trucking industry by UHF radio to alert them to what we
were doing and where we were. I must say the drivers of
these large trucks who are on a very tight timetable gave us
every consideration and all the room we needed with minimal
disruption to the traffic flow. This was equally true of all
motorists.
The support and encouragement we were given along the way
was very uplifting and truly encouraged us to meet our goal.
The weather each day was very hot and humid reaching
temperatures in the 35° to 38
° degrees range, with Wednesday
being the worst. Thankfully Thursday was cooler although wet.
We went from trying to keep Ray hydrated and his body
temperature cool in order to avoid nose bleeds, to keeping him
warm and dry to avoid a lung infection from developing.
Continue over page
President‘s Report
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Over the five days Ray experienced a lot of lung pain and discomfort as well as a constant
headache which was aggravated by the jarring of the wheelchair travelling over the rough
terrain. As well as Ray being extremely fatigued, we were all exhausted at the close of each
day, but greatly relieved we had made that leg of the journey and on with tomorrow. I must
congratulate our on-road support team. Each day as we journeyed on and grew more weary
they were there "boots and all" doing an outstanding job, keeping us safe and supporting us
when we hit our hurdles, pausing for temporary repairs to the wheelchair and welding jobs as
well as cooking and preparing meals, and giving us the encouragement we needed to help us
through, even when Ray was stuck in a lift, no way in, no way out. I had to climb two flights of
stairs to get 3 men to rescue Ray from the service lift.
In true Aussie mateship we were all there for each other. This was not an easy journey by any
means, but it does speak very clearly for itself, that despite the hardship and adversities, with
the planning and preparation in place, the right support around you and the correct mindset,
together we can meet any challenge we are given. Together we can make it through.
Our on road Support Team
Andrew Ramsay ―Safety Officer‖
Christopher Colbert ―Paramedic‖
David Agudelo ―Support Team‖
Emily Colbert ―Support Team‖
Helen Colbert ―Support Team‖
Jo Crotty ―Sun Overhead‖
John Prescott ―Wheelchair Technician‖
Keith Erskine ―Documentary Producer‖
Martin Rogalski ―Support Team‖
Matthew Colbert ―Support Team‖
Neal Bedingfeld ―Traffic Control‖
Rachel Robbins ―Marketing & Media‖
Sgt Brett Price ―Police Events Coordinator‖
Sgt Michael Schodel ―Police Escort‖
The Division of WPH&S Inspectors
Trish Ramsay ―Pilot‖
Union Members ―Marshalls‖
Thank you for your outstanding efforts.
Helen Colbert
President
Coffee break & repairs to the
wheelchair More repairs on a rainy day 4
BBQ Lunch at Laidley Mitre 10
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Ray’s Ride – A Journey of Body and Soul
What do I say about Ray‘s Ride - incredible, exciting, exhilarating, and uplifting and the
adjectives go on. Most of all it was a very spiritual experience and I feel blessed to have
shared it with such a wonderful group of people, including our sponsors and the three regional
Mayor‘s, representatives, Peter Taylor (Toowoomba), Steve Jones (Lockyer Valley) and
Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood (Ipswich)
Asbestos Awareness Week - 20th November to 26
th November, was hot, travelling 150km in a
wheelchair with no suspension is uncomfortable, travelling at an average 10kmh is fulfilling
whilst the whole time trying to keep the pain in my lungs and the ever present headaches from
taking control. Spare a thought though for the drivers of the support vehicles trying to maintain
a speed of 10kmh, barely idling along and at the same time controlling the environment around
me to keep me safe.
Very few people will ever experience the peace and serenity of rolling along a country road
with the hum of the electric motors powering the wheelchair, it allows you to think, take stock of
your life and appreciate the blessings you have. Like the blessing of good friends and family
banding together to form a very professional support team, seeing to every conceivable need,
such as safety, food, drink, finding suitable amenities and packing my body with ice packs.
This trip, which I pray will not be my last, did capture the imagination of the media and we did
achieve our goal of greater awareness in the wider community to the dangers of asbestos and
we raised in excess of $60,000.00 to be used in much needed research - $30,000.00 of which
will go into the foundation of the QARDSS Mesothelioma project headed by Dr Keith Horwood
Oncologist. This project is aimed at early identification of Mesothelioma Sufferers and will be a
centre for information on the latest trial programs and the management strategies available to
Mesothelioma Patients. It is proposed that this will start in late January, 2012
Naturally I thank everyone involved in the journey from Toowoomba to Brisbane, be it in the
planning, supporting, sponsoring, or physically undertaking it, and I truly thank God for the
blessing of such truly wonderful people.
Ray Colbert
Secretary
Day 1 - The Support crew at
Bunnings, Toowoomba
Day 2 - Tackling the hills
Day 4 - Toowong
Day 5 - Arriving at St Stephens Cathedral with
his grandchildren, Lucinda, Matthew and
Emily Colbert.
Day 3 - About to start
6
Whilst there is no doubting the support and generosity of the hundreds of people who
donated to my ride from Toowoomba to Brisbane, there are some truly standout donations.
We received two $20,000.00 cheques, one from CFMEU Construction and General and the
other from Turner Freeman Lawyers. Their generosity is truly amazing.
Equally amazing however, are the people who stopped me along the road to give me a
handful of change with a smile and a ‗well done‘. One lady who stopped her car, waited for
me to catch up and give me a kiss & hug for encouragement, add to this the children who do-
nated on line with such foot notes as.
“I admire and respect you, here is all my money;”
“This is definitely worth my pocket money;”
“I’m glad to give my pocket money to you;”
This is just beautiful coming from such young children, they are the future and we
must protect them and preserve their world.
Although we have done well, we are still trying to reach our ultimate goal of raising
$500,000.00, and no doubt this will take a lot more work on everyone‘s behalf. The website is
still open and we are still accepting cheques, money orders and credit card payments. So if
you wish to assist us to support sustainable research and awareness please go to our
website, www.asbestos-disease.com.au and follow the prompts or give the girls a call in the
office on 1800 776 412 (free call).
Thady Blundell from Turner Freeman Lawyers
presenting Ray with a cheque for $20,000
Andrew Ramsay from CFMEU presenting Ray
with a cheque for $20,000
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The following was published in The Catholic Reader.
$60,000 raised on Ray’s odyssey
Published: 4 December 2011
By: Paul Bobbyn
ASBESTOSIS battler Ray Colbert received the last rites in January - yet he‘s just piloted a
wheelchair from Toowoomba to Brisbane‘s St Stephen‘s Cathedral to raise funds for research
into the disease.
―I had bilateral pneumonia and was in Wesley Hospital when the last rites were administered,‘
the parishioner of St Matthew‘s parish Loganholme, said.
―But when I got to Heaven‘s door, they said: ‗It‘s not your turn yet. You‘ve still got work to do‖
Mr Colbert‘s dedication to his task was evident when he rode into a triumphant welcome at the
cathedral grounds on November 25.
Among those at the welcome were his grandchildren - Lucinda, Matthew and Emily Colbert -
who were also involved in fundraising.
He then took part in an ecumenical memorial service at St Stephens‘s for all those who have
died from or who suffer asbestos-related diseases.
Cathedral associate pastor Fr Bryan Roe officiated the service along with Anglican Reverend
Mary Roberts and Superintendent Minister Lyn Burden of the Albert Street uniting Church.
State Education and Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick and State Member for
Bulimba Di Farmer also attended.
Mr Colbert had been on the road for five days leading up to his arrival at the cathedral,
meeting supporters in towns and suburbs including Grantham, Gatton, Laidley, Rosewood,
Booval and Wacol.
He spoke of several close calls on the way including a near-rollover on a section of rutted
footpath in Toowoomba and striking a bad pothole in Ipswich.
‗This shattered a wheel bearing,‘ he said.
‗The chair tipped forward and I thought I was going to kiss the footpath. However, fortunately it
righted itself at the last moment.‖
In 2002, Mr Colbert was diagnosed with asbestosis, a scarring or
fibrosis of the lung tissue that occurs when the body‘s own immune
system fails to expel asbestos fibres.
He joined the Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society
in 2005 and has been an active member ever since. Mr Colbert is the
secretary and his wife Helen is the President.
More than $60,000 has been raised through Mr Colbert‘s wheelchair
ride.
To donate visit www.raysride.com.au
Di Farmer MP - The First
Reading
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On Friday 25th November, we held our 19th Ecumencial Service at the Cathedral of St
Stephen, Brisbane. The Service is dedicated to those who have lost their lives to an
Asbestos Related Disease and who are currently suffering from an Asbestos Related
Disease. We also remember the families, careers and friends who experience first hand
the devastation brought about by the needless exposure to asbestos.
We would like to thank our guest speakers;
Mr Evan Moorhead MP, State Member for Waterford
Hon Mr Cameron Dick MP, State Member for Greenslopes, Minister for Education and
Industrial Relations.
Di Farmer MP, State Member for Bulimba
Also our readers for the Prayers of Intercession;
Michael Shepherd
Samantha Colbert
Dawn Bedwell
Craig Scharf
Simone Dullaway
Michael Ravbar
Lucinda Colbert
Rachel Robbins
Thank you also to our lovely QARDSS volunteers and our members.
**The gentleman that was unwell at the service who was taken
to hospital by ambulance was discharged approximately
6.30pm later that night. The society has been in touch with his
wife. **
St Stephen’s Cathedral
Mr Evan Moorhead MP Hon Mr Cameron Dick MP, Minister
for Education and Industrial Relations
Lucinda Colbert
9
Donald Ramsay
San Hilton
Allan Waters
Alan Fuller
Albert Menzburger
Norman Frederick Corley
Petrus Van Zijl
John Haigh
Paul Bathersby
Robin Hewton
John Roy Rozinski
Murray John Ballantyne
George Kotynski
Robert Powell Thompson
John Rachow
Michael Cruickshank
Keith Shingler
Warren Clarke
Peter Walker
Terence Robinson
Donald Ross Watts
Murray Stokes
Trevor Donald Kuskopf
James O‘Callaghan
Victor Hinton
Hendricus ‗Hank‘ Van Mierlo
Dennis Coxeter
Kenneth Rush
Veronica Haynes
Theodore Tziolis
Vivienne Phillips
Michael Maher
Michael Gerard
Barry Mason
Douglas Laidlaw
Max Weier
Berenice Fea
Norman Frederick Corby
John Feldman
Susan Campbell-Wharton
David McGahey
Ian Currie
Ray Dawson
Rob Finnemore
Roy Mintram
Oswald Raine
Irene Paine
John Francis Higgins
Douglas Edington
Mary Catherine Robinson
Kenneth George Francis
Colin Hughes
James Muscat
Melvyn Raymond Kries
John Campbell
Anthony Jones
Keiran George Broad
Judith Riding
Barry John Westcott
Terry Francis Squires
Geoff Hunt
Bill Clift
Jean Gorter
Gordon Horn
Fred Challen
Garry Dougherty
John Dewick
William Winter
Albert Frederick Naumann
Joyce Bohl
Herbert Staples
James Leonard Thompson
Richard Hayward
Kenneth Petrie
Robert Kahler
Bruce Giles
Neville Ray Roser
John Oelkers
Jim Rippon
Gary Mulholland
Denis O‘Keefe
Lindsay Benn
Roy Clifford Mitchell
George Marsh
Jonne Nyman
David Will
Joyce Matschoss
Ronald Fletcher
Joseph Grannettia
Peter Broderick
Those we love don’t go
away,
They walk beside us
every day,
unseen, unheard, but
always near,
Still loved, still missed
and very dear.
26th November, 2010 - 25th November, 2011
10
Education and Industrial Relations The Honourable Cameron Dick
Monday, November 21, 2011
Queenslanders urged to heed asbestos safety tips this
storm season
Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick is urging homeowners and businesses to follow
safety protocols when cleaning up any damage to materials containing asbestos this coming
storm season.
As Queensland marks Asbestos Awareness Week this week, Mr Dick said flood and hail
damage often caused damage to homes and other buildings at this time of year.
―Asbestos Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the dangers of working with exposed
asbestos and how to work with this material in a safe way,‖ he said.
―As we head towards the storm season everyone should play it safe when cleaning up storm
damage.
―If your home or property is damaged in a storm, the danger is not over until all asbestos
material is properly disposed of.
―Safe cleaning tips are available from the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)
website and Infoline.
―A WHSQ asbestos unit is also in place to assist with the investigation of asbestos incidents
statewide.‖
Mr Dick said it was illegal to clean an asbestos roof with a high pressure water blaster because
it could damage the roof surface and cause the release of dangerous asbestos fibres.
―WHSQ advises that fibro roofs, also known as ‗super 6‘ and ‗fibro cement‘ surfaces, do not
pose an increased risk to health if they are in good condition and not disturbed,‖ he said.
―Cleaning of such roof surfaces may be carried out using general water hoses but the surface
should be checked during the cleaning process to ensure it is not being damaged.‖
―During Asbestos Awareness Week, WHSQ will be encouraging people to look, check and
prepare before they begin maintenance work in the home or workplace.
―Materials containing asbestos can be found in buildings, workplaces and houses built before
1990.
―The Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website has short films and other resources to
help Queensland prepare for the months ahead.
―Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is also working with the Queensland Asbestos
Related Disease Support Society and the Queensland Council of Unions to raise awareness of
the risks associated with asbestos.‖
Ministerial Media Statement
11
Asbestos safety tips include:
• avoid removing asbestos materials unless absolutely necessary
• avoid breaking asbestos material
• do not use power tools or any abrasive materials on asbestos-containing surfaces
• avoid using high pressure water to clean the surface of asbestos materials
• take care when cleaning the surface of asbestos materials to avoid damage
• roofs containing asbestos must NOT be cleaned using high pressure water cleaners
other surfaces containing asbestos materials such as walls should be cleaned using water
hoses or by hand
• painted asbestos-containing materials are less likely to release fibres and can be cleaned with
slightly higher water pressure
• regularly check the material you are cleaning to ensure it is not being damaged
• avoid walking on corrugated asbestos roofs as they may collapse from the weight
• make sure asbestos materials are wet during removal and other work—though remember to
isolate wet areas from electricity
• if you have more than 10 m2 of asbestos-containing material that needs to be removed, you
must use a licensed asbestos removalist
• wear disposable coveralls with a hood as well as an approved particulate respirator (Class p2
– this will be marked on the packaging) when removing asbestos
• thoroughly wash hands, shower and wash hair after handling or after suspecting you may
have handled asbestos materials
• double bag/wrap and label all asbestos materials and waste and call your local council to find
out where to properly dispose of any asbestos products
• use safe work procedures including low speed drill/hand drilling and hand sawing asbestos-
containing material
• wrap waste and clean-up after the work is completed
A special safety guide to handling, removing and disposing of asbestos is available for home
owners and tradespersons here:
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/asbestos-home-renovators-trades-
guide.pdf
For more information on cleaning up safely after storms and floods,
visit http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/asbestos/index.htm
or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915
Media contact: Minister for Industrial Relations 3237 1000
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Ministerial Media Statement
Government Services, Building Industry and ICT The Honourable Simon Finn
Sunday, November 27, 2011
SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR ASBESTOS
INFORMATION
A single point of phone contact and a dedicated website for government information on asbestos will be available from 1 January 2012, Minister for Government Services Simon Finn and Minister for Industrial Relations Cameron Dick announced today.
Mr Finn said from the beginning of next year, the one-stop-shop phone contact would be provided through 13 QGOV (13 7468) and Queenslanders would be able to access the dedicated asbestos-related website at www.qld.gov.au/asbestos.
―This announcement is particularly significant as Asbestos Awareness Week comes to a close,‖ Mr Finn said.
―Asbestos Awareness Week is a time to commemorate those lives that have been affected by asbestos-related conditions.
―It‘s also an opportunity to highlight the dangers of asbestos, and that‘s what this new one-stop-shop approach will do.
―But more importantly, it will ensure the public can readily and easily access information and advice from a coordinated source.
―The website and the 13 QGOV number will mean asbestos-related information from all Queensland Government departments, and from local governments with regulatory responsibility for asbestos-related matters, will be available in the one place.‖
Mr Dick said the single point of contact was developed by the Interagency Asbestos Group, which coordinates the Bligh Government‘s response to asbestos-related matters.
It adds to the Australian Government‘s review into asbestos management, which will make recommendations for the development of a national strategic plan to improve asbestos awareness and management by 30 June 2012.
―The Bligh Government takes the handling and management of asbestos very seriously and leads by example,‖ Mr Dick said.
―We have introduced some of the most stringent asbestos regulations in Australia, and we have made the safe removal of asbestos from government buildings a priority.
―In fact, since 1999, we‘ve spent more than $180 million removing asbestos from Queensland Government buildings, including $142 million removing asbestos from schools.
13
―This commitment has been reinforced by a further $25 million allocated in 2011-12 for
asbestos removal works in Department of Education facilities.
―All government buildings must also maintain an asbestos register detailing the presence of any asbestos.
―In addition, we have the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) asbestos unit which is working effectively.
―This unit provides advice to government, employers and workers regarding asbestos safety, and its work has included the development of the Asbestos Work Health and Safety Action Plan 2011-16.
―In 2010-11, WHSQ issued 188 improvement notices, 106 prohibition notices and 62 infringement notices for asbestos-related matters.‖
Mr Finn said the Bligh Government‘s compulsory asbestos training for all contractors entering into arrangements for building trade services with QBuild was a benchmark for the rest of Australia.
―QBuild‘s Practical Asbestos Training (PAT) Program was nationally accredited in October 2010 and has been recognised as an industry leader,‖ he said.
―More than 1,150 QBuild staff now hold a ‗B Class‘ certificate.‖
Asbestos containing material was commonly used in Australian residential, commercial and industrial buildings between the 1940s and late 1980s until dangers of the substance became apparent.
It can take as long as 40 years from the time of exposure to the development of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.
Media contact:
Minister Finn‘s office: 0429 683 442
Minister Dick‘s office: 0417 789 208
One Stop Shop Phone Contact
13 QGOV (13 7468)
www.qld.gov.au/asbestos
Dedicated Asbestos - Related Website
14
Disaster clean-up sparks new
asbestos fears By Samantha Donovan, Tuesday November 15, 2011 - 14:14 EDT
Flood clean-up uncovers asbestos - ABC
Cancer specialists will today be told that 'bonded asbestos' may not be as safe as once thought. The specialists are gathering in Perth for an annual oncology conference and will hear from the chairman of the Federal Government's Asbestos Management Review, Geoff Fary. Asbestos fibres are known to cause cancer, but solid or bonded asbestos is generally consid-ered safe. Mr Fary says he has received several submissions that suggest the country's recent spike of natural disasters has resulted in asbestos fibres being released, and that may have some un-expected consequences. He says in the rush to clean up in the aftermath of a cyclone, flood or bushfire, the health risks posed by broken sheets of asbestos can be easily forgotten. "One of the great things about Australians is that they're very, very public-spirited people, and when we're hit by these sort of disasters, the tendency to sort of hop in and help out is very strong," he said. "And people, for instance in the Queensland floods, were very keen to clean up the debris from the floods, but some people have said, 'Well look, that's excellent, but unfortunately some of that debris included broken asbestos cement sheeting'. And frankly, unless people are properly trained and have the right equipment, they ought not be dealing with broken or damaged asbestos products." The review will aim to develop a strategic plan for asbestos management in Australia. Mr Fary says support groups for sufferers of asbestos-related disease are particularly keen to see asbestos management rethought quickly. "What they say in their submissions is that the previous approach - which said that if asbestos was bonded and encapsulated, that you monitored it and made sure that it was OK but didn't remove it - may no longer be appropriate because stuff suddenly becomes not bonded and encapsulated when it's hit by a fire or a flood or a cyclone," he said. The Asbestos Management Review is due to deliver its final report and recommendations to the Federal Government by the end of June 2012.
15
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Unions welcome commitments from Labor to eradicate asbestos
and restore worker rights in Fiji
Changes to the Labor Party‘s national platform will see Australia leading the way in the global
campaign to eradicate asbestos, and strengthening its actions to force the Fijian military
regime to respect human and labour rights, say unions.
Australian unions have had growing concerns at what appears to be a systematic campaign of
persecution by the Fijian Government of workers and their representatives, said ACTU
President Ged Kearney.
In recent weeks, the military regime has stepped up oppression of workers in Fiji with a new
decree that effectively outlaws collective bargaining and union representation. The island
nation‘s union leaders have been subjected to persecution and harassment, including periods
of arrest and detention by the police.
Speaking at the Labor Party‘s National Conference in Sydney today, Ms Kearney said:
―Now is not the time to weaken our position on Fiji. It is not acceptable that people are
intimidated, harassed, threatened with violence and assaulted for not sharing the view of the
regime or for simply being trade unionists.
―We are calling for respect for human rights in Fiji. We are calling for Australian business
operating in Fiji not to profit from taking advantage of anti union, anti worker decrees.‖
A resolution adopted by the Labor conference today condemns the Fijian regime and
expresses concerns at deterioration of human rights, particularly worker rights.
It calls on the Australian Government to take all appropriate action to promote a return to
genuine democracy and governance which respects and promotes human rights.
The conference also amended Labor‘s foreign affairs platform to place Australia at the lead of
international action for a global treaty to ban the use and trade in asbestos. The amendment
commits Australia to hosting an international conference for the Global Alliance against
Asbestos Hazard.
―Asbestos is a scourge that kills tens of thousands of workers around the world every year,‖ Ms
Kearney said.
―Unions have been at the forefront of campaigning against asbestos in Australia but a renewed
global effort must be made to ban its use and trade in all forms around the world, especially in
developing nations. We are pleased to see Labor acknowledging the role that Australia can
play in leading global efforts.‖
Other amendments to the foreign affairs platform include committing the government to work
with Australian unions to build union capacity in developing countries through a development
assistance and training package.
Media contact:
Mark Phillips ph (03) 9664 7266 or 0422 009 011; [email protected]
16
Asbestos Exposure & Compensation - When is Asbestos
Exposure Sufficient to Bring a Claim?
Ray's Ride Firstly, I would like to congratulate Ray and all of his support team on his outstanding ride from Toowoomba to Brisbane. It was truly inspirational and it is great news that he will be continuing with further rides in 2012.
Level of Asbestos Exposure Asbestos disease is a unique category of disease in which different diseases can result from exposure to asbestos. One of the confusing things is that some diseases are associated with occupational / workplace exposure over a sustained period of time whilst others can be associated with very modest levels of exposure. Perversely it is often the most serious type of asbestos disease, mesothelioma, that is associated with the lowest level of exposure.
It can be confusing for those diagnosed with a disease, such as lung cancer for example, to be told that their exposure is not sufficient to bring a claim when it is fairly regularly reported that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure in terms of the development of mesothelioma. The reason why the level of asbestos exposure can be crucial in advising a person about compensation is that different diseases are associated with different levels of asbestos exposure as follows:-
Asbestosis – this is a fibrotic condition of the lung. Lung fibrosis can arise from various
causes. When a doctor is satisfied that the asbestos exposure has caused the fibrosis in the lung the condition is referred to as asbestosis. It can be the case that a person is exposed to asbestos in the workplace but in fact develops a non-asbestos caused fibrosis. More often than not though the diagnosis hinges on the level of exposure and asbestosis tends to be associated with prolonged workplace exposure. The more intense the exposure the less the duration of exposure required to give rise to a diagnosis of asbestosis. Further, it would be virtually inconceivable that a person could develop asbestosis from say one home renovation or building project – sustained exposure is required.
Lung Cancer – this refers to cancers of the lung itself as apposed to mesothelioma which
is primarily a cancer of the lining of the lung. The predominant cause of lung cancer in Australia is cigarette consumption however asbestos is also linked to lung cancer on its own and in conjunction with smoking where the two can combine to dramatically increase the risk of lung cancer. However, much like asbestosis lung cancer tends to be associated with prolonged workplace exposure to asbestos over several years or possibly shorter periods of intense levels of exposure. A home renovator for example would be unlikely to develop a lung cancer related to their asbestos exposure. A carpenter on the other hand would be at risk of developing an asbestos induced lung cancer.
From the Society Legal Adviser,
Mr Thady Blundell
17
Mesothelioma – this is the most serious of all types of asbestos disease and is a cancer of
the lung or peritoneum. This is associated with very low levels of asbestos exposure and it is impossible to know how low the level of exposure can be where mesothelioma could develop. There have been many cases of persons developing mesothelioma following just one home renovating project.
Pleural Plaques – this is scarring on the outside of the lung – the pleura. It is seen as a
marker of past asbestos exposure and generally doesn't cause symptoms or give rise to any compensation entitlements. Sometimes plaques can cause pain and extensive breathing problems. Plaques can be a consequence of lower levels of asbestos exposure than say asbestosis. Housewives washing their husband's asbestos contaminated clothes are at risk of developing pleural plaques as is anyone who has had any significant contact with asbestos.
Therefore, it tends to be asbestosis and lung cancer where the duration of asbestos exposure becomes very important to firstly, making a diagnosis of an asbestos caused injury and sec-ondly, to deciding on whether there is a compensation claim available. Because asbestos causes various diseases the mechanism by which asbestos causes the disease and the levels of exposure required to cause the diseases vary.
A big thank you to Carlo Cortese of
Windsor Management Insurance Brokers
who kindly donated to the society a
Delonghi Nespresso coffee machine.
Your ongoing support is always
appreciated.
Pictured left to right: Carlo Cortese, Kay
Ravbar, Ray Colbert, Helen Colbert and
Patricia Cini .
Kay and Pat making the
first of many coffees.
18
Prince William and Kate, Royal Family Bring
Asbestos Abatement Into Spotlight
Monday , November 7th, 2011
Asbestos abatement never will be scrutinized more than
in the coming months when it begins at the future home
of Prince William and Kate, the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge.
Ever under the public microscope, the closely watched
Royal couple, who were married in April at
Westminster Abbey, recently announced their intention
of moving into much-larger Kensington Palace home.
They won‘t do so until it undergoes a year-long
remodelling that will include asbestos removal.
Although asbestos once was used in the construction of both commercial and residential buildings, it is heavily regulated today in England and the United States and virtually has been banned in new construction outside of a few developing countries.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, the deadly cancer that kills thousands of people each year. It can take anywhere from 10-50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. It normally attacks the lining around internal organs.
The presence of asbestos in the future home of William and Kate, both 29, has become an international story because the couple is expected soon to be starting a family. The Royal bloodlines are a major concern throughout Great Britain. There already has been considerable speculation that Kate is pregnant.
The last major renovation at the Palace in London was in 1960, at a time when asbestos use
was at its peak. It was used for insulation, in floor and ceiling tiles, and throughout the aging
Palace. The palace originally was known as Nottingham House and has been in the Royal
Family since 1689. The residence was last used by Princess Margaret, who died in 2002. A
Palace official told People Magazine that William and Kate are not expecting to move in until the
summer of 2013. ―Early indications suggest that large quantities of asbestos will have to be
removed, as well as work on the heating and hot water systems and electrical wiring,‖ said the
statement to People. ―The extent of the work needed to turn the apartment back into a home is
not yet known.‖
William and Kate currently live nearby on the same grounds in a two-bedroom apartment, which
will go to Prince Harry when their move is complete. The family-friendly mansion comes with a
heliport outside, which is ideal for a couple doing considerable travel.
According to Palace officials, their Palace will include three large reception rooms and four
bedrooms on three different floors.
The asbestos issue at the Palace is a positive for those wanting to raise awareness concerning the lethal substance, and the importance of abatement, the process of removing or containing asbestos.
The mineral, once considered so wonderful because of many heat and fire retardant properties,
remains prevalent throughout products manufactured before 1980 and construction completed
throughout the 20th century.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,
Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton
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General Notices
The QARDSS office will close over the Christmas break. Last day will
be Friday 16th December and reopening on Monday 16th January,
2012. In an emergency during this time you may call Ray & Helen Colbert on 1800 776 412.
You can still make a donation to Ray‘s Ride. All monies raised will go into research to treat and
ultimately cure asbestos disease. Go to www.asbestos-disease.com.au. To make a donation
you can send a cheque or money order to PO Box 280, Spring Hill QLD 4004, and a receipt
will be forwarded to you in due course. Credit card donations can still be made by calling the
office 1800 776 412.
OFFICE HOURS
RAY’S RIDE
Don‘t forget we are now on facebook. ‗Like us‘ to show your support.
We have uploaded many photos from Ray‘s Ride, check them out and leave your feedback.
Our facebook address is: www.facebook.com/asbestossupport
FACEBOOK/TWITTER
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The QARDSS Management Committee would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas
and A Safe and Happy 2012. With special thoughts of you and your family.
Thinking of you
Especially
When Christmas time
is here
And asking god
To bless you
Everyday
Throughout the year.
20
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY
Corporate Sponsors
Trident Trades & Labour Hire
Your consideration of these organisations would be greatly appreciated
—their assistance is invaluable
Corporate Members
Air Liquide Healthcare Pty Ltd AMWU - Your Rights at Work Australian Institute of Marine & Power Engineers Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industries Union Australian Services Union Aust Federated Union of Locomotive Employees Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Builders Labourers Federation CEPU Plumbing Union – Qld Branch CEPU Electrical Division – Qld Branch
Communication Workers Union CPSU (Community & Public Sector Union) D.O.T.S. Occupational Therapy Services Logan Funerals Niagara Therapy PFG Financial Services Queensland Independent Education Union Queensland Nurses Union of Employees Safe Work College of Workplace Health & Safety Workplace Health & Safety Queensland United Voice
The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and
corporate members are available by ringing
the QARDSS office on 1800 776 412.
QARDSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514).
Membership fees and donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.
We thank all members for their ongoing support.
