MEDIA STATEMENT – MINERAL HOUSE
Published Thursday, 08 May, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
The Department of Public Works has asked Queensland Health to undertake urgent environmental and epidemiological testing at a government office building in Brisbane’s central business district after concerns about a number of recent cancer diagnoses were raised.
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said a concerned employee of the Queensland Government Security Office, located in Mineral House on George Street, had reported yesterday that six staff from the office had developed cancer in the past four years.
Current and former employees of Mineral House, and concerned members of the public, can visit www.publicworks.qld.gov.au for more information.
“The health and safety of our employees is paramount and for that reason the department has asked Queensland Health to undertake an urgent investigation,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I am informed that these tests will be completed as soon as practicable at which time the results will be communicated to staff.
“Staff and their union have been advised of the actions being taken by the department and the staff are continuing to work in the area.
“However should any evidence come to light to indicate the area is unsafe, the department will immediately take action.”
Mr Schwarten said magnetic field measurements conducted in 1999 showed levels in the office were well below recognised guidelines.
“I am advised that the 1999 tests recorded a maximum reading of 58mGauss whereas the interim national guidelines established by the National Health and Medical Research Council are 1000-5000mGauss,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I am further advised that the situation at Mineral House differs from that at the ABC Studios in Toowong and the Atherton Fire Station in a number of ways.
“For example, I am informed that a variety of different cancers have been diagnosed in staff working at Mineral House and those diagnosed come from varied demographics.”
Mr Schwarten said regardless of the differences the Department of Public Works took the matter of workplace heath and safety very seriously and it would not rest until every avenue of investigation had been completed and the safety of its staff assured.
“The safety of our workforce is paramount. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure our workers are safe and whatever action that is required will be taken.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said a concerned employee of the Queensland Government Security Office, located in Mineral House on George Street, had reported yesterday that six staff from the office had developed cancer in the past four years.
Current and former employees of Mineral House, and concerned members of the public, can visit www.publicworks.qld.gov.au for more information.
“The health and safety of our employees is paramount and for that reason the department has asked Queensland Health to undertake an urgent investigation,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I am informed that these tests will be completed as soon as practicable at which time the results will be communicated to staff.
“Staff and their union have been advised of the actions being taken by the department and the staff are continuing to work in the area.
“However should any evidence come to light to indicate the area is unsafe, the department will immediately take action.”
Mr Schwarten said magnetic field measurements conducted in 1999 showed levels in the office were well below recognised guidelines.
“I am advised that the 1999 tests recorded a maximum reading of 58mGauss whereas the interim national guidelines established by the National Health and Medical Research Council are 1000-5000mGauss,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I am further advised that the situation at Mineral House differs from that at the ABC Studios in Toowong and the Atherton Fire Station in a number of ways.
“For example, I am informed that a variety of different cancers have been diagnosed in staff working at Mineral House and those diagnosed come from varied demographics.”
Mr Schwarten said regardless of the differences the Department of Public Works took the matter of workplace heath and safety very seriously and it would not rest until every avenue of investigation had been completed and the safety of its staff assured.
“The safety of our workforce is paramount. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure our workers are safe and whatever action that is required will be taken.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832