Silicosis in Construction: A Call for Stronger Protections.

A joint investigation from 60 Minutes and the Sydney Morning Herald has shed light on the devastating impact of silicosis and lung disease on workers in the construction and manufacturing industries and more specifically engineered stone. The investigation has highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections for workers and greater awareness of the risks associated with exposure of not just silica dust but dust across all of construction and manufacturing.

Silicosis is a progressive and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of silica dust, which are released during activities such as cutting, grinding, and drilling of materials such as stone, concrete, and sand. The disease can cause severe respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain, and can lead to death in some cases. Unfortunately, many workers in the construction and manufacturing industries are exposed to silica dust daily and are at risk of developing silicosis and other lung diseases.

While the investigation has highlighted the disturbing lack of protections for workers in these industries, including inadequate safety equipment, poor ventilation, and a lack of training and education about the risks of silica dust. Workers are often unaware of the risks associated with exposure to silica dust and may not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from harm.

It is time for governments and employers to take action to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust. With the federal ministers meeting on February 28th to look at banning engineered stone. The response to silicosis in the workplace to this point has been described as a member of the dust disease taskforce as “Tantamount to industrial manslaughter”. While the banning of engineered stone is an important step forward there is still a long way to go to keeping workers safe.

This response should also lead to stronger regulations and standards for workplace safety, increased investment in safety equipment and training, and greater awareness campaigns to educate workers about the risks of silica dust exposure. Employers should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of their workers, and workers should have the right to refuse work that puts them at risk of harm.

In addition, workers who have developed silicosis and other lung diseases should receive adequate compensation and support to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of their illness. Employers and governments have a responsibility to provide these workers with the support they need, including access to medical treatment, counselling, and financial assistance.

Silicosis and lung disease while for best part are not curable, they are preventable illnesses, and it is time for governments, employers, and workers to work together to ensure that all workers in the construction and manufacturing industries are protected from harm. We cannot continue to ignore the risks associated with all dust exposures. Common sense just says that breathing in dust from all construction materials over a long period of time is not going to be good for you.

We must take immediate action to prevent further harm to workers and their families