The scheme, administered by the Asbestos Compensation Commissioner, has received 18 applications and already granted $1.7 million in compensation and medical expenses since October 31.

Asbestos Free Tasmania chief executive Susan Wallace expected a large number of people to apply this year.

``There's a bit of a rush at the beginning, people have been waiting for this and there are people who have died within 12 months before the scheme started, whose spouses and dependent children are also eligible,'' Ms Wallace said.

The organisation has been assisting people with their applications.

Under the scheme, eligible workers with a fatal disease like mesothelioma will receive between $250,000 and $500,000 in lump-sum compensation plus medical expenses.

Ms Wallace said the no-fault scheme saved people going through an adversarial, drawn-out legal process.

``This scheme is designed to have a low burden of proof and process claims very quickly,'' Ms Wallace said.

``If you were somebody with a fast moving cancer such as mesothelioma, your time is limited.''

Some people, who have been diagnosed with pleural plaque which is considered a ``calling card'' of asbestos exposure, were shocked they were not eligible for compensation or money to cover medical expenses.

A 12-month review is likely to consider this issue.

About 12 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed across Tasmania each year.

Ms Wallace hoped there would be no need for a compensation scheme in 20 to 30 years.

``We really need now to see a shift in focus to getting asbestos out of workplaces.''

The scheme is self-funded through a 4 per cent levy on workers' compensation insurance premiums.