How do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplace

Each year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around the world. In Australia alone, an estimated 6 million tonnes of asbestos remains in the built environment. So, what happens when this material starts to break down? Additionally, around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to hazardous silica dust in their workplaces.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the critical role that unions play in advocating for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment. We're joined by Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). With over 23 years of experience as a union official, Liam is passionate about ensuring that every worker has access to a safe workplace.

Liam sits down with James O’Loghlin to discuss the ongoing asbestos and silicosis crisis in Australia, the importance of combating complacency around invisible workplace hazards, and the phases of activism that have driven significant changes over the decades. The conversation also highlights the work that remains to be done—and the vital task facing today's generation of workplace safety activists. Though the benefits of this work may not be immediately apparent, the long-term impact in terms of lives saved will be huge.

In this episode, we explore:

• The role of the ACTU and current initiatives to combat asbestos and silica dust exposure.
• How unions have played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the asbestos and silicosis issues over the decades.
• The history of asbestos in Australia and the pressing question today: How can we safely and swiftly remove it from our buildings?
• The accelerated rate of disease amongst engineered stone workers – and the successful campaign leading to Australia’s world-first ban on engineered stone.
• The risks associated with tunnelling and the crucial work unions are doing to protect workers exposed to silica dust in this field.
• The current state of workplace exposure to hazardous dust, and what further actions are necessary to ensure workers' safety.
• Australia’s leadership in the global fight against asbestos exposure.

Liam O’Brien Liam was re-elected as Assistant Secretary at the ACTU Congress in June 2024. As ACTU Assistant Secretary, he is responsible for leading the movements policy, industrial and campaigning work on work health and safety and workers’ compensation matters. Liam is passionate about the rights of all workers to have safe, healthy and decent work, and is a member of Safe Work Australia (SWA) and the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Council (ASSEC). You can find out more about Liam and the ACTU here: https://www.actu.org.au/officer/liam-obrien/

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au