Occupational lung diseases Strategy and management of silica dust at construction sites

18 January 2022

Occupational lung diseases, in particular silica-related diseases, remain a national priority. As part of its commitment to ensuring safe, fair, and productive working lives for Canberrans, WorkSafe ACT has launched its Strategy for Preventing Occupational Lung Diseases 2021-2023 (the Strategy).

The Strategy prioritises the core industries in the ACT and is flexible, allowing for response to any emerging local or national priorities. The WHS Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, is proud to launch the Strategy and continue to build the WHS capability of duty holders across Canberra.

“This Strategy focuses on improving our understanding of what can cause occupational lung diseases and how to effectively prevent them, so we can better protect ACT workers.”

Commissioner Agius feels that the Strategy provides a foundation for managing emerging occupational diseases, including COVID-19.

“This work represents a framework to prevent occupational lung diseases. With the effects on the lungs and the impacts of long COVID not yet fully understood from a WHS perspective, I see that COVID-19 may yet form part of a future revision of this strategy.”

With a national rise in cases of the occupational lung disease, silicosis, crystalline silica is a priority substance under WorkSafe ACT’s Strategic Plan 2020-24. ACT workplaces that handle or modify engineered stone have been a focus of compliance and enforcement activities since 2018.

In collaboration with stakeholders and industry and union partners, WorkSafe ACT has also released a guide to assist in managing the risks of silica dust across the construction industry. Commissioner Agius is grateful to the team that worked with WorkSafe ACT to develop the guidance note, which is the first of its kind in Australia.

“Silicosis is an insidious and preventable disease. Here in the ACT, we have not taken the effects of silica dust lightly. I am very happy that we could develop this guidance in partnership with key players in the construction industry. The expertise and information so freely provided by the Master Builders ACT and others has been vital in developing an evidence-based approach.”

The Strategy and guidance will be implemented in targeted proactive campaigns over 2022-2024 and supported by resources to help duty holders to comply when tackling issues such as air quality, working in weather and welding fumes.

Media contact

WorkSafe ACT Media and Communications Team
media@worksafe.act.gov.au

Jackii Shepherd
0466 927 213