WA: Casino workers don dust masks to protest against smoke

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
WA: Casino workers don dust masks to protest against smoke

PERTH, April 8 AAP - Disgruntled WA gaming workers donned black balaclavas and dust
masks today as they presented a state MP with a petition demanding an end to smoking in
Perth's Burswood Casino.

The workers, supported by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH), say
their workplace in the casino's International Room is dangerous.

About 500 of the casino's gaming workforce of 630 signed the petition which was handed
to upper house MP Ken Travers.

ACOSH chairman David Roberts said legislation that banned smoking in enclosed public
places had been in force in Western Australia for five years.

But Dr Roberts said an exemption had been given to the casino's International Room
where gaming workers were still being exposed to cigarette smoke.

He said the casino had been given an exemption under the WA Health Act but he had legal
advice which suggested that was overridden by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Dr Roberts said the issue was the responsibility of WorkSafe WA and called on the government
agency to enforce the act.

"There is no industry in WA that would dare expose its workers to health risks like
this simply to protect profit margins," he said.

Comment was being sought from WorkSafe WA.

AAP tgr/tc/hu/br

KEYWORD: CASINO

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