The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) is seeking federal support to eradicate workplace dust diseases, following recent cases of accelerated silicosis in Western Australia and the Queensland government's urgent warning to employers late last year.
What is silica?
Silica is a common, naturally occurring mineral (known as silicon dioxide). Silica is a major component of many types of sand and may be a component of concrete, and some bricks and rocks. Respirable crystalline silica is the most hazardous to health.
Silicosis is an incurable lung disease, with inflammation and scarring of the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue and other symptoms. Silicosis can develop quickly or slowly depending on exposure levels.
Risks in the workplace
Tasks conducted by local governments where crystalline silica particles become respirable and may put workers at risk of silicosis, lung disease and other associated diseases include, but are not limited to:
- Jack-hammering concrete
- Dry sanding concrete
- Earthworks
- Rock crushing
- Road works
- Concrete cutting
Managing the risks
The Occupational Safety and Health Regulation 1996 (WA) requires employers – along with workers – to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement practical controls to protect workers' health and safety.
Measures to control crystalline silica include (but are not limited to):
- Choose materials that are silica-free or have the lowest silica content
- Provide vehicles with enclosed cabs fitted with high efficiency air filters, for dusty earthworks
- Use wet work methods to reduce dust (e.g. wet cutting or polishing, water sprays during earthworks)
- Shadow vacuuming (e.g. during drilling)
- Vacuum clean-up rather than sweeping
- PPE such as an appropriate respirator (selected in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715) may be required
Workers must be given information and training on:
- Possible health effects of crystalline silica exposure
- Control measures and how to use them (including PPE)
- Any requirement for health surveillance under OSH regulations
Your local government should keep records of:
- The risk assessment
- Air monitoring results
- Health surveillance reports
- Training records
Currently, the AIOH proposes the introduction of the Breathe Freely initiative. This preventive strategy was developed by the British Occupational Hygiene Society BOHS, with stakeholder involvement from the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and industry. It works to raise awareness, focussing on control of exposure to hazardous dusts.
For more information on managing the risks of dust in the workplace, contact the LGIS risk and governance team on 9483 8888 or your regional risk coordinator.