A Queensland Government audit of 10 workplaces found 26 employees suffering from silicosis, six of whom considered terminal.

One sufferer only 27 years old!

Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of construction dust, known as crystalline silica. Crystalline silica dust is formed when materials are worked on (such as cutting, drilling or blasting) releasing the fine dust, silica, into the air. The dust can be found in the following substances;

• Stone
• Rock
• Sand
• Gravel
• Clay
• Bricks
• Tiles
• Concrete
• Stone benchtopes
• Some plastic materials

Those at greater risk of exposure are:

• Miners
• Construction workers
• Farmers
• Engineers

Inhaling crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can result in disability and/or death. However, adequate conrols and health monitoring can reduce this risk and allow employees to work with Silica in a safe manner. In accordance with Work Safe Australia, managing exposure is key in preventing long term occupational health risks to employees. To prevent potential risk exposure, health monitoring must be provided to all workers who are carrying out work on the above substances.

Occuhealth can perform the following services;

• Work place risk assessment
• Exposure control programs
• Exposure monitoring
• Respiratory protection programs
• Health risk assessments
• Silica medical assessments in accordance with Safe Work Australia
• And much more

Contact our professional team at Occuhealth for more information on how we can help you. Available at: MANDURAH | BELMONT | ON-SITE