New survey reveals WA workers’ education around silicosis is lacking, putting workers at greater risk of lung disease 

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 reveal that respondents who receive sufficient training or education around lung health are more likely to be proactive about their lung health and wear PPE and RPE (Respiration Protective Equipment) at work.  

This is particularly important for WA workers, whose education around silicosis is lacking, falling behind the national average in some cases. 

Key findings from the survey’s WA respondents reveal:  

• Only 25% of WA workers know silicosis’ fatal prognosis, which is significantly lower than the national average of 35% 

• 67% of WA workers don’t know the symptoms of silicosis; a further 15% don’t know that silicosis can be asymptomatic 

• 16% of WA workers never think about their lung health 

• Only 8% of WA workers have discussed silicosis or lung health with their GP, which is lower than the national average 

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.  

“More needs to be done to bridge the current awareness gap surrounding silicosis for WA construction and mining workers. These workers are key to the WA workforce, and we cannot have education around lung health falling short in WA,” 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: 

Deirdre McGinn on behalf of Lung Foundation Australia 

0411 208 408  

deirdre@sabio.com.au