With October marking the start of National Safe Work Month, Lung Foundation Australia is pushing to break the silence on the dangers silica dust poses to more than 600,000 Australian workers.
Lung Foundation Australia Acting CEO Paige Preston emphasised the importance of workers taking responsibility for their lung health by taking proactive steps to reduce risk.
“The easiest way to protect yourself and your mates on site from silicosis and other occupational lung diseases is to reduce your exposure,” Preston said.
This year, Lung Foundation Australia is focusing its awareness efforts on four key industries at highest risk of exposure – tunnelling, construction, mining and quarrying, and manufacturing.
“In our 2024 survey, silica dust was the most reported exposure in the workplace, with close to 4000 respondents indicating silica dust was present in their place of work,” Preston said.
“It isn’t enough to have PPE or to continually be exposed to dangerous materials and dusts because you think it won’t hurt you.”
The organisation is urging Australian workers to act this Safe Work Month by talking with their GP or reaching out via Lung Foundation Australia’s free call 1800 654 301 helpline.
“A simple conversation with your GP or with our trained professionals could be the start of taking better care of your lung health and potentially an early diagnosis before it’s too late,” Preston said.
“Knowledge is power, and the more Australian workers understand the risks, the more they can do to protect not only their lungs but their mates, too.”
Silica is a common mineral found in materials such as stone, concrete, bricks and sand.
When these materials are cut, drilled or ground, they release fine particles of silica dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Prolonged exposure can scar lung tissue and lead to silicosis, an incurable but preventable disease.
Silicosis cases have been rising in Australia over recent years, particularly in industries involving engineered stone and construction.
While there is no cure once diagnosed, early detection and prevention measures such as dust suppression, ventilation systems, and substitution of high-silica materials can significantly reduce risks to workers.
Lung Foundation Australia is continuing to lead efforts to eliminate silicosis nationwide.
The foundation encourages workers to take the Healthy Lungs at Work Quiz online to assess their risk, while also offering industry-focused resources on silica exposure through its website.
The organisation also played a key role in the consultation and development of the National Silicosis Prevention Strategy and National Action Plan.
Supported by an Expert Steering Committee of industry representatives, regulators, unions, businesses and health professionals, the strategy aims to create consistent measures to prevent new cases and ultimately eliminate silicosis as a workplace disease in Australia.
