More action needed on workplace lung health, survey finds

Despite stronger crystalline silica protections taking effect from 1 September 2024, a new survey has found that more action is needed on workplace lung health.

Lung Foundation Australia recently released results from a survey of over 500 workers, in an effort to gain insight into current awareness and attitudes towards silicosis. Industries where participants worked included at-risk fields such as construction, mining/quarrying, manufacturing and tunnelling.

Key survey findings

• 78% of participants were aware of silica dust and the risk of silicosis, but only 23% were worried about developing the lung condition.
• 36% were aware of the symptoms of silicosis, with awareness rising to 73% amongst those who knew someone with the disease.
• 34% of respondents understood that silicosis is incurable, with older Australians showing a higher level of knowledge.
• 49% of respondents thought about their lung health when engaging in activities that could have a negative impact, such as working in environments with dust exposure.
• Only 23% were aware that silicosis can be asymptomatic.
• Only 8% had discussed silicosis or lung health with their GP or medical practitioner; however, this increased to 45% amongst those that personally knew someone with silicosis.
• Respondents who knew someone with silicosis were more aware of which materials contain silica dust than those who were only aware of silicosis.
   

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the survey results emphasise the need for ongoing awareness around silicosis, as well as highlighting the importance of education in encouraging workers to be more proactive about their lung health.

“While the recent ban on engineered stone marks a significant step forward in protecting workers from silica dust, there’s still more work to be done. There is an ongoing need for awareness, better education and a cultural shift in how we address workplace lung health,” Brooke said.

Stronger regulation of crystalline silica substances

As of 1 September 2024, changes to work health and safety regulations mean that persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must comply with additional obligations to keep workers safe.

According to Safe Work Australia, the workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is 0.05 mg/m³ (eight-hour time-weighted average). The WES must not be exceeded.

The recent legislative amendments also provide stronger regulation of work with all materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica and require:

• controlled processing of all crystalline silica substances;
• assessing the risk of work involving processing of a crystalline silica substance; and
• additional duties for any processing of engineered stone that is assessed as high risk, including preparing a silica risk control plan.
   

These changes may require PCBUs to implement control measures or make changes to workplace procedures so that the workplace exposure standard for RCS is not exceeded. This might include engineering controls (such as a combination of local exhaust ventilation or on-tool dust extraction and wet cutting methods), administrative controls and respiratory protective equipment. 

Image credit: iStock.com/megaflopp. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.