The NSW Government has today launched a trial of world-first technology to accurately monitor silica dust levels in the air that has the potential to protect NSW’s workers from contracting the deadly lung disease silicosis. Read more: miragenews.com
Doctors at Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital say they have found a potential cure for deadly silicosis disease
Queensland doctors are hopeful they have found a cure for deadly silicosis lung disease, most frequently caused by inhaling toxic dust while cutting artificial stone.
Silicosis cases have been rising rapidly in Australia, driven by a trend toward engineered stone kitchen benchtops.
The procedure adapted in Brisbane and being hailed as a potential breakthrough in treatment involves washing the lungs out with salt water — a technique that has proven successful in treating other lung diseases. Read more: abc.net.au
Canberra stone company tries to protect workers from silica dust as silicosis disease cases rise nationally
Canberra stonemason Aaron Grima decided to get checked for silicosis after seeing videos about the disease on social media, "just to be safe".
The 35-year-old, who has worked in the industry for 17 years, was shocked when he was diagnosed with chronic simple silicosis.
In his case, it should not shorten his life, but it means he needs to get regular check-ups, limit his exposure, and stay fit and active to safeguard his lungs. Read more: abc.net.au
WA tightens silica, coal dust exposure standards
The Western Australian Government is set to halve the workplace exposure standards for crystalline silica and coal dust to reduce the risk of mine workers contracting lung diseases.
The new standard for coal dust is now set at 1.5 milligrams per cubic metre and will come into effect in October next year. Read more: safetowork.com.au
Workplace exposure standards for silica and coal dust halved
Workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica halved to 0.05 milligrams per cubic metre effective today and respirable coal dust halved to 1.5 milligrams per cubic metre effective October 27, 2021
The McGowan Government has taken steps to reduce the risk of workers contracting potentially deadly lung diseases by halving the workplace exposure standards for respirable crystalline silica (which causes silicosis) and respirable coal dust. Read more: miragenews.com
Life-saving dust laws pass NSW parliament
The process of tracking, responding to and preventing deadly occupational dust diseases such as silicosis and asbestos has been vastly strengthened following the passage of new laws through the NSW Parliament.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said that under changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill silicosis, asbestos and mesothelioma will now be notifiable diseases and if acquired through workplace exposure they will be placed on a new Dust Diseases Register.
Read more: miragenews.com
Dust disease register established in NSW
A dust disease register designed to combat the rise of silicosis among construction workers in NSW has been established.
Silicosis is a deadly lung disease that has surged in numbers among workers in the state's manufactured stone industry.
A disease register, established through the The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill 2020, which passed on Thursday, means any instance of silicosis must be reported to Safework NSW. Read more: au.news.yahoo.com
NSW silicosis laws need reform, MP says, as stonemason calls for change
New laws designed to prevent the lung disease silicosis will come too late for former stonemason Kyle Goodwin, but he hopes future generations of construction workers and miners will be protected.
The Tenterfield, New South Wales resident, who worked the engineered stone commonly used in modern kitchen benchtops, was diagnosed with advanced silicosis two years ago. Read more: abc.net.au
Vacuum Lifting Can Protect Workers From Silica Dust
Silica dust has been recognized for decades as an occupational health concern. In March 2016, OSHA announced a final rule pertaining to silica exposure regulations. Enforcement for employers covered by the construction standard began in September 2017. Read more: forconstructionpros.com
NSW government must move quickly on silicosis reform
Leading dust diseases law firm, Maurice Blackburn is urging the NSW government to act swiftly to implement reforms to improve the safety of stone workers and monitor their health. Read more: miragenews.com