More cases of the lung disease silicosis have be diagnosed than ever before thanks to the introduction of the NSW Government’s compulsory free lung checks, a Parliamentary Committee has heard.
iCare reported today that 70 cases of silicosis were detected in the second half of 2019, following an extensive education campaign by the government to warn workers involved in the cutting of sandstone, manufactured stone and building products of the dangers associated with silica dust.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the latest figures are testament to the swift action by SafeWork NSW.
“NSW was the first jurisdiction to take swift action to identify instances of silicosis, which is why we have been able to identify so many people that may have otherwise gone unchecked and untreated for years,” Mr Anderson said.
“For too long victims suffered in silence, which is why it took time to educate and encourage workers to be more aware of silica dust in their workplace, and make sure steps are taken to reduce or remove the risk.”
It is a legal requirement for all employers in NSW to provide health monitoring for staff at risk of exposure to crystalline silica on an ongoing basis. Since this regulation was implemented, iCare NSW has reported an increase of 328 per cent in silica related screenings between 2017/18 and 2018/19.
The NSW Government has doubled rebates for silica safety equipment from $500 to $1000 for manufactured stone businesses, which runs until the end of June.
“Silicosis is entirely preventable, providing you’ve got the right control methods in place,” Mr Anderson said.
“There’s simply no excuse not to have the proper safety mechanisms in place, and business who do not adhere to the standards and risk the lives of workers will be prosecuted.”
The NSW Government has a roadmap in place to reduce serious injuries and illnesses by 50 per cent and reduce exposure to priority hazardous chemicals by 30 percent. This is outlined in SafeWork’s Work Health and Safety Roadmap for NSW 2022.
iCare reported today that 70 cases of silicosis were detected in the second half of 2019, following an extensive education campaign by the government to warn workers involved in the cutting of sandstone, manufactured stone and building products of the dangers associated with silica dust.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the latest figures are testament to the swift action by SafeWork NSW.
“NSW was the first jurisdiction to take swift action to identify instances of silicosis, which is why we have been able to identify so many people that may have otherwise gone unchecked and untreated for years,” Mr Anderson said.
“For too long victims suffered in silence, which is why it took time to educate and encourage workers to be more aware of silica dust in their workplace, and make sure steps are taken to reduce or remove the risk.”
It is a legal requirement for all employers in NSW to provide health monitoring for staff at risk of exposure to crystalline silica on an ongoing basis. Since this regulation was implemented, iCare NSW has reported an increase of 328 per cent in silica related screenings between 2017/18 and 2018/19.
The NSW Government has doubled rebates for silica safety equipment from $500 to $1000 for manufactured stone businesses, which runs until the end of June.
“Silicosis is entirely preventable, providing you’ve got the right control methods in place,” Mr Anderson said.
“There’s simply no excuse not to have the proper safety mechanisms in place, and business who do not adhere to the standards and risk the lives of workers will be prosecuted.”
The NSW Government has a roadmap in place to reduce serious injuries and illnesses by 50 per cent and reduce exposure to priority hazardous chemicals by 30 percent. This is outlined in SafeWork’s Work Health and Safety Roadmap for NSW 2022.