THE ACTU says more can be done to raise awareness about the dangers of handling and disposing asbestos products and to protect its exposure to the community.
The comments follow the launch of National Asbestos Awareness Week which runs from 23 to 27 November 2009.
The ACTU claims there is still a poor level of awareness of the dangers of asbestos in the broader Australian public.
According to the union, Australia has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, in the world with more than 500 people a year contracting the disease.
The ACTU says all levels of government should work with unions and asbestos victims groups to protect the community and workers from potential future exposure to asbestos.
National Asbestos Awareness Week serves as a 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 representatives also use the week to check employers are complying with the legal requirements.
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