The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called for new laws to protect workers from toxic dust. The powerful doctors’ lobby group told a Senate inquiry into workplace exposure to toxic dust there is not enough protection of workers. The inquiry closes to submissions on Thursday and is expected to hand down its findings early next month.

Class action lawsuits could be brought in the future against companies that fail to protect employees from deadly diseases. The AMA says in its submission that the law does not adequately protect workers from inhaling potentially deadly particles.

“There are regulations and safety standards that address these issues, but it is clear that these, even with our level of understanding of the effects of asbestos in particular, are not protecting workers adequately.

“Only when industries believe they will be held to account will they take the necessary action to... comply with legislation/regulation and safety standards.”