As concern regarding silicosis escalates, Lung Foundation Australia, on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, has opened public consultation for a National Silicosis Prevention Strategy (NSPS) 2023-2028 and accompanying National Action Plan (NAP).
The draft NSPS and NAP, which is in response to Recommendation 3a of the National Dust Disease Taskforce’s Final Report to Minister for Health and Aged Care, outlines urgent prevention strategies to protect Australian workers and to ultimately eliminate silicosis as an occupational disease in Australia.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Brooke, said the large number of silicosis cases that have been identified in the last five years clearly demonstrate that silicosis, and occupational lung disease more broadly, must be regarded as a national emergency.
“We know that cases of dust-related diseases will continue to climb in the coming years. Recent research has predicted between 83,090 and 103,860 silicosis cases are expected to result from current occupational exposure,” Mr Brooke said.
“An urgent comprehensive national approach is needed that includes failsafe preventive measures, strong legislation and regulation that is consistently enforced, coordinated surveillance and monitoring, expanded air monitoring programs and improved health screening methods.
“To be effective, a whole of Government, industry, community, and business response is required, one that follows health and work health and safety evidence and the most up to date research; one that is independently monitored and transparently and frequently reported on; including significantly increased inspections, compliance and enforcement with the strategy aim to prevent death and disability at its core,” he said.
The engineered stone benchtop industry is only one of many industries where workers are exposed to silica dust. It is estimated up to 600,000 Australian workers are potentially being exposed to silica dust each year across a wide range of industries including quarrying, construction, tunnelling, mining and many manufacturing processes.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) attacks the lungs and with high levels, silicosis can develop after just months of hazardous levels of exposure but may also strike many decades later when workers have retired.
Public consultation
Lung Foundation Australia is currently seeking feedback on the draft NSPS and NAP as part of Public Consultation. Public Consultation is open for three weeks, from Monday 8am AEST 20th February 2023 to Friday 5pm AEST 10th March 2023.
Following Public Consultation, the document will be handed back to the Department of Health and Aged Care by June 2023.
To access the draft Strategy and Action Plan and provide feedback, visit https://lungfoundation.com.au/advocacy/national-silicosis-prevention-strategy/consultation-hub/
-Ends –
For media enquiries, please contact
media@lungfoundation.com.au