The Silica Safety Working Group met in January 2022 to consider the industry feedback received on the draft units of competency. The group has finalised the next version of units of competency, which are now going through the Quality Assurance process. Following that, they will be provided to the State Training Authorities for their review and sign-off. It is anticipated that the Case for Endorsement will be considered by the AISC at their April 2022 meeting. Read more: Artibus.com.au
World Cancer Day: Thousands of Australian workers die from occupational cancer every year
Over one in ten (14%) cases of lung cancer could be prevented if asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust and welding fume exposure were reduced in workplaces, according to best available data.
This is roughly 1800 work-related deaths every year from lung cancer that could’ve been avoided with better safety measures. Read more: nationaltribune.com.au
NSW silica inquiry should cover every worker
The NSW Government must widen the scope of reviews and recommendations to its Dust Diseases Scheme to include every worker in all dust-prone sectors, including tunnelling, quarrying, cement work, mining and construction. Read more: miragenews.com
How to Prevent the Risk of Occupational Lung Disease (Silicosis) in Blasting
Currently, lung diseases have an increasing frequency and remain a problem of public health worldwide. The causes of lung diseases in the 21st century are directly related to the industrialization level of a country and, moreover, to the level of pollution… Read more: The Daily Guardian
New model Code of Practice for respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone
This new model code provides practical information on how to manage health and safety risks associated with respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone.
Safe Work Australia has published new guidance on how to manage the risks to workers’ health from hazardous silica dust contained in engineered stone.
Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter said the publication of the model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace plays an important role in stopping workers developing silicosis. Read more: safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Silicosis risk prompts calls to ban artificial stone benchtops
A stone benchtop is considered by many to be a luxury item in your kitchen, but for years the trend for homeowners has been buying artificial stone benchtops.
It looks similar to marble or granite, but at a much cheaper cost. Or so we thought.
Stonemasons and tradespeople who cut the stone are at risk of developing a fatal respiratory disease, silicosis. Read more: abc.net.au
Stone used to make popular kitchen and bathroom benchtops could be banned from Australia after a quarter of tradies who worked with it developed a deadly lung condition
Imports of engineered stone popular in Australian kitchens and bathrooms could be banned unless employers lift their game to protect workers from silica dust exposure.
A federal task force says health and safety regulations aren't properly protecting workers from dust exposure linked to the deadly lung disease silicosis Read more: dailymail.co.uk
Lung disease campaign to identify workplace hazards
Safe Work Australia has launched an occupational lung disease awareness campaign which will run until December 2021.
Occupational lung diseases are conditions of the respiratory system caused by workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals and dusts. Read more: safetowork.com.au
Cancer Council urges reduction in silica dust exposure
A campaign to highlight the dangers of exposure to silicon dust has been launched by Cancer Council Australia to raise awareness for those working in high-risk industries.
Long-term exposure to silica dust has the potential to cause fatal lung disease including silicosis and lung cancer. Read more: safetowork.com.au
Government must act on incurable silicosis that affects 1 in 5 engineered stone workers
The ACTU calls on the Federal Government to urgently act on silicosis as 1 in 5 of those working with engineered stone are diagnosed with the incurable disease.
The National Dust Disease Taskforce was established two years ago to combat the deadly disease, and since then the Federal Government has done nothing to protect workers from this disease. Read more: miragenews.com