Notification of an asbestosis diagnosis

As of 1 January 2021, all medical practitioners must notify NSW Health when they diagnose a case of asbestosis in NSW. Information for medical practitioners, businesses and workers.

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Notification of an asbestosis diagnosis

As of 1 January 2021, all medical practitioners must notify NSW Health when they diagnose a case of asbestosis in NSW. Asbestosis is a scheduled medical condition under Part 4 of the NSW Public Health Act 2010.

Information will be transmitted, received and stored securely to maintain patient privacy.

NSW Health will provide notifications to SafeWork NSW, to undertake workplace health and safety (WHS) investigations at the current or previous workplaces of the person with asbestosis.

If a workplace falls under a different WHS regulator including the NSW Resources Regulator or Comcare, the information will be shared with them so WHS investigations can take place.

For medical practitioners

Asbestosis is a scheduled medical condition under Part 4 of the NSW Public Health Act 2010, requiring all medical practitioners to notify NSW Health when they diagnose a case of asbestosis in NSW.

Upon receiving a notification of a diagnosis of asbestosis, NSW Health will provide information to SafeWork NSW. SafeWork NSW will receive and securely store any information provided by NSW Health.

Asbestosis is a chronic chest disease caused by inhalation of high concentrations of asbestos fibres. The condition can develop 10 to 20 years after initial exposure. Asbestos fibres initially damage cell membranes in the lungs and, as a result, the lung tissue becomes hardened and scarred.

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath after exercise, persistent coughing, chest pain, phlegm, lung infections, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

Early abnormalities of asbestosis are difficult to detect in a lung X-ray, however, as the disease progresses the X-ray is characterised by a cloudy, ground glass appearance.

Notification form

Download the Notification of an Asbestosis Diagnosis Form from NSW Health.

Details must include:

  • patient/worker details
  • diagnosis details
  • relevant work history
  • current and previous employer details

The form can only be authorised by the diagnosing medical practitioner but can be lodged by the practitioner’s staff.

The form needs to be returned to NSW Health. Details are on the form.

It's recommended the worker is informed that the notification will be made and that the relevant WHS regulator may investigate their current or former workplace.

Read the Asbestos Health Monitoring Guide for Registered Medical Practitioners

For businesses and workers

What is asbestosis?

Up to the late 1980’s, asbestos materials were commonly used in flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, as well as roofs, ceilings, walls and more.  If asbestos containing material is in good condition it poses little health risk. However, when asbestos containing products are disturbed by cutting, drilling, water blasting or similar activities, small fibres may be released into the air.

These fibres are harmful if inhaled and may lead to asbestos related diseases including asbestosis.

Asbestosis is a chronic chest disease caused by inhalation of high concentrations of asbestos fibres. Asbestosis can develop 10 to 20 years after initial exposure. Asbestos fibres initially damage cell membranes in the lungs and, as a result, the lung tissue becomes hardened and scarred.

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath after exercise, persistent coughing, chest pain, phlegm, lung infections, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

Health Monitoring

Employers are required by law to provide health monitoring to workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos while on the job, prior to commencing asbestos removal work or ongoing asbestos related work. This includes licensed asbestos removalists and assessors who are wearing full personal protective equipment.

Health monitoring should also be provided to workers at regular intervals (at least once every two years) after the worker commences asbestos-related work where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos.

Employers must notify SafeWork NSW if a worker receives an adverse health monitoring report such as when asbestosis is suspected.

icare, NSW’ workplace insurance, care and compensation provider, offers subsidised health monitoring to businesses across NSW through its Lung screen service. icare also provides support to people who have developed a dust disease as a result of harmful dust exposure while employed in NSW.

Workers can go to a doctor of their choice for health monitoring if they prefer.

They can also find out if their diagnosis has been notified by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50

Keeping Safe

SafeWork NSW recommends you should use a licensed asbestos professional to remove any amount of asbestos. Asbestos removal should always be done in line with the Code of Practice – How to safely remove asbestos

Help and support for businesses

  • For information and support to protect your workers from asbestos exposure visit the asbestos webpage.

WHS investigations

When SafeWork NSW or another relevant WHS regulator is notified of an asbestosis diagnosis, they may investigate the workplaces where asbestos exposure may have occurred.

These investigations may include:

  • a visit to an employer to ensure work practices aren't putting workers at risk
  • requiring the employer to change work practices (notices can be issued)
  • a full investigation that may result in prosecution, where serious breaches are identified

Data and privacy

Information contained in the notification form remains private and confidential under the NSW Public Health Act 2010.

  • NSW Health securely transfers the necessary information to SafeWork NSW, which holds information confidentially.
  • SafeWork NSW will publish de-identified statistical data from information contained in the notification of asbestosis diagnosis forms.

Contact us

Call 13 10 50

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