New survey reveals at-risk Victorian workers’ concern about developing silicosis is significantly lower than the national average

New survey results released last week by Lung Foundation Australia exposes a dangerous gap in workers’ understanding of silicosis, a lung disease that poses an ongoing threat to 600,000 Australian workers in Construction, Mining/Quarrying, Manufacturing, and Tunnelling. 

The results call for ongoing awareness around silicosis, highlighting the importance of education in encouraging workers to be more proactive about their lung health.  

This is particularly true for Victorian workers, who were significantly less concerned about developing silicosis than the rest of Australia.  

Key findings from the survey’s Victorian respondents reveal:  

• 37% of Victorian workers never think about their lung health. This is significantly higher than the national average of 22% 

• Only 8% of Victorian workers are worried or very worried about their lung health 

• Knowledge of silicosis’ symptoms is lowest in Victoria, with 70% of at-risk workers not knowing the symptoms of silicosis and 82% not knowing that the disease can be asymptomatic 

• Knowledge of affected industries is significantly lower in Victoria, with only 38% of Victorians knowing Tunnelling is a high-risk industry 

• Only 25% of Melbourne workers wear RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment), which is significantly lower than the national average of 35% 

• Only 5% of Victorian workers have discussed silicosis or lung health with their GP, which is the lowest rate in Australia 

October is National Safe Work Month, and Lung Foundation Australia are working to break the stigma and silence on silicosis and the ongoing threat it poses to 600,000 Australian workers.  

Last Tuesday, Lung Foundation Australia released results from a recent survey of over 500 participants designed to understand current awareness and attitudes towards Silicosis amongst workers in at-risk fields including Construction, Mining/Quarrying, Manufacturing, and Tunnelling.  

Referred to as the ‘new asbestos’, workers continue to be exposed to silica dust despite the engineered stone ban in the form of sand and sandstone, granite, manufactured stone, concrete and mortar, demolition dust, limestone, and more.  

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke emphasises the importance of tackling the rise of silicosis while in its early stages.  

“The high rate of Victorian workers who never think about their lung health is alarming. It highlights the serious gap in understanding of silicosis and its fatal prognosis. We must prioritise education to ensure workers consider their lung health and take the necessary actions to protect themselves,” Mr Brooke said.  

Lung Foundation Australia encourages workers and employers alike to maintain a focus on silicosis, even as regulatory changes reduce exposure risks. Ensuring that those at risk of silicosis are well-informed and comfortable seeking medical advice will be key to managing the disease in the future. 

For media enquiries please contact: 

Kate Gibbons on behalf of Lung Foundation Australia 

0455 832 633 

Kate@sabio.com.au