Asbestos Legislation

An asbestos compensation scheme in the Australian state of Tasmania recently began in full.

Those who contracted an asbestos-related illness on the job - such as asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma - now have access to a lump sum payment of $500,000 in addition to medical benefits, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Victims' families can also gain access to this asbestos compensation.

Workplace Relations Minister David O'Byrne told the news source that the plan will allow people to gain access to the money to which they are entitled.

"Workers will get easy access to a fair compensation scheme, so instead of workers having to go through lengthy and very draining court proceedings, they can focus on their health, they can focus on their family and friends and living their last months and years of life with some dignity," he said.

Asbestos diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis are unfortunately all too common among blue-collar workers around the world as many often came in contact with the naturally occurring substance throughout their careers. The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 people die each year around the globe because of asbestos-caused illnesses.