Germany's institutions for statutory accident
insurance and prevention (Berufsgenossenschaften) have for decades devoted themselves to systematically measuring exposure to
asbestos dust at the workplace and have taken preventive measures. A total ban on asbestos has been in place in Germany for a decade.
Nonetheless, the long latency period of asbestos-induced illnesses means that we have probably not yet seen the peak incidence of
such illnesses. The Berufsgenossenschaften will have to pay out large amounts of compensation for those affected. Consequently, the
situation in Germany is dominated by, on the one hand, post-exposure examination programmes carried out by occupational-health
services and, on the other, clean-up technology. I am glad that we have the opportunity to exchange international experiences with
asbestos, in issue which is far from being resolved, at this conference organised by SLIC, Germany's federal states and the German
Federation of Institutions for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention.gez. Dr. Walter Eichendorf
German Federation of Institutions for Statutory Insurance and Prevention - HVBG
