Ask an Expert: Health Monitoring Webinar

Hear from our expert speaker Dr Graeme Edwards as he demystifies the health monitoring process. This webinar forms part of a series that Lung Foundation Australia hosted during National Silicosis Prevention Awareness Campaign during National Safe Work Month in October 2025. Dr Graeme Edwards is a Senior Consultant Physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He was a Member of the National Dust Diseases Taskforce (2019-2021) and chaired its working party that, in February 2022, published the National Guidance for Doctors Assessing Workers Exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust. Dr Edwards is also a member of the Asbestos Advisory Committee for the Federal Government’s Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency and serves as a spokesperson for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and its Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM). In addition, he contributed to the Queensland Government’s Practitioner Guidance for Silicosis Reference Group and the Stone Benchtop Industry Code of Practice Working Group.  

Dr Graeme Edwards’ presentation outlines the critical role health monitoring plays in protecting workers and ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. Dr Graeme Edwards answers some commonly asked questions about health monitoring including the below. 

What Is Health Monitoring? 

Workplace health monitoring is a legal requirement for employees exposed to hazardous substances like silica, asbestos, inorganic lead, and noise. Visit Safe Work Australia’s for more information on health monitoring for hazardous exposures. Health monitoring is a shared responsibility between workers, employers, doctors, and regulators. When done properly, it transforms a business cost into a valuable health asset, safeguarding Australia’s workforce for the future. 

Dr Graeme Edward’s presentation answers questions like: 

1. How does health monitoring work? 
2. What are the key benefits of health monitoring? 
3. What are some common misconceptions about health monitoring? 
4. What are worker responsibilities as part of health monitoring? 

Dr Graeme Edwards provides invaluable information for any worker wanting to understand the requirements of health monitoring.