Types of occupational lung diseases
There are many different occupational lung diseases. Common types include:
- Pneumoconiosis, which includes the following:
- Asbestosis
- Silicosis
- Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Mesothelioma
- Work-related asthma
- Occupational lung infections.
They are caused by a wide range of hazardous agents, including but not limited to dusts, fibres, fumes and gases.
Depending on the type of hazardous agent a patient is exposed to, symptoms may develop immediately or present months, years or decades after exposure. With many occupational lung diseases, symptoms may only present long after exposure to the hazardous agent has stopped, or even after retirement from the workforce.
CPD-accredited training for health professionals
In collaboration with The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and clinical experts in occupational lung disease, Lung Foundation Australia have developed a free, accredited eLearning course for health care professionals. Managing occupational lung disease: early detection, management and support has been developed to assist all health professionals in detecting signs of occupational lung disease and to assist in early referral and diagnosis.
By completing this training health professionals will be able to:
- Identify people at risk of OLDs through an understanding of common causes, utilising the appropriate screening questions to activate clinically appropriate diagnostic and referral pathways.
- Define occupational health monitoring and the role of the GP in assessing at-risk workers, as required by employers in at-risk industries under relevant regulations/legislations.
- Describe the patient’s right to make a workers compensation claim and the supports available to workers throughout the process, including referring patients to support services or seeking individualised care guidance from experts.
- Outline the role of the multidisciplinary team in the care of someone diagnosed with an OLD.
Accreditation logos and Lung Learning assured badge (QA or peer review):
Enrol Now: Managing occupational lung disease: early detection, management and support
Complete this form to gain access to the free, self-paced eLearning module.
Key organisations for health professionals
- Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ)
- Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
- Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM)
- The Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine Inc (ANZSOM)
- Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH)
- Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)