Australia’s peak lung health organisation has commended the Queensland Government’s adoption of a ban on working with engineered stone from 1 July, including ruling out a transition period.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said transition periods for engineered stone work would have put vulnerable workers at risk for longer.
“Queensland has set a precedent for the rest of the nation with this decisive action, which means work with engineered stone in the manufacturing, supply, processing, and installation of benchtops, panels and slabs must cease from 1 July, full stop,” Mr Brooke said.
“The latest research tells us one in four stonemasons have developed silicosis, a debilitating, often fatal disease, and this completely preventable resurgence is directly related to engineered stone.
“This insidious disease currently has no cure, and we know it is going to affect thousands of people over the next few years.”
Lung Foundation Australia is preparing for the significant influx of new silicosis diagnoses with vital support services now well established for patients and their families.
The charity’s Silicosis Social Work program now sits alongside their Silicosis Support Nurse service; both free, confidential telephone-based support networks for people living with silicosis, their family and carers. Dedicated online peer support groups are also available.
“Lung Foundation Australia has been fighting for the last 5 years to see the scourge of silicosis taken seriously, and we stand with the thousands of Aussie workers and their families who said, enough is enough,” Mr Brooke said.
Through Lung Foundation Australia’s Silicosis Social Work service, patients are helped to navigate the practical and emotional impact of living with silicosis.
The organisation can provide information, support and referral pathways on a range of topics such as:
- Processing a diagnosis
- Impact on family and relationships
- Financial and housing assistance
- Coping with progression
- Emotional and mental health support
The Silicosis Support Nurse service can also provide information and support around understanding and living with silicosis, which may include information around coping with breathlessness, fatigue, and other challenging symptoms that come with this disease, as well as provide guidance about relevant support services.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
