Final Recommendations Over the past decade there has been an unacceptable re-emergence of silicosis in Australia. Several hundred workers have been diagnosed, causing great suffering to them, their families and their co-workers. This is deeply concerning given that silicosis is an entirely preventable disease. This re‑emergence has mostly been driven by the introduction and surge in popularity of high silica content engineered stone material since the early 2000s. Nearly one in four workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust from engineered stone before 2018, have been diagnosed with silicosis.4 Unfortunately, because the health effects of exposure can take many years to develop, considerably more workers are likely to be at risk of future development of disease. There has been a systemic failure to recognise and control the risk associated with producing benchtops from engineered stone, which has led to workers being exposed to hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica dust. Based on evidence presented to us, it is clear that existing WHS laws have failed to protect workers from developing silicosis. In the engineered stone benchtop sector, there has been inadequate control of dust exposure by businesses, as well as ineffective health monitoring and insufficient enforcement of existing laws by state and territory WHS regulators. This reflects a lack of sustained vigilance regarding the inherent health risk associated with occupational silica dust exposure. The evidence presented also shows that the risk to workers of developing dust disease is not confined to the engineered stone industry which includes small business and domestic settings, but spans other industrial settings such as mining, sandblasting and construction. Systemic change is required to improve protection for all people who work in dust generating industries. In December 2019, we presented our Interim Advice to the Minister for Health. This Advice included five early recommendations focusing on awareness raising, data capture and information sharing, research priority areas, national guidance on screening, and a national approach to detection and response. A number of early findings were also identified for further exploration. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our work was paused for six months in 2020. Shortly after re-convening in August 2020, we undertook further consultations and commissioned research into a number of key issues. Our final recommendations build on those detailed in our Interim Advice and are a comprehensive set of measures designed to better protect and support workers, and to recognize the incidence and severity of dust diseases. They present a cohesive set of actions designed to be implemented concurrently, and as a package. They will require the commitment of Commonwealth, state and territory governments, recognising the different roles and responsibilities each has for work health and safety and public health within their respective jurisdictions. Active engagement from workplaces and health professionals is also needed to ensure workers stay healthy, safe and protected from dust disease. In the case of silicosis, the point of diagnosis is already too late. Further action is required to save lives and prevent people from being affected by this deadly disease. 4
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Data from Queensland and Victoria indicates that out of 1,509 workers screened, 362 were found to have silicosis: Sources: (i) “WorkCover screening outcomes” as at 31 May 2021 (https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/ claims-and-insurance/work-related-injuries/types-of-injury-or-illness/work-related-respiratory-diseases/ silicosis last checked 27/06/2021); (ii) “Silica-associated lung disease health screening research: Phase one final report” as at November 2020 (https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/silica-associated-lung-diseasehealth-screening-research-phase-one-final-report last checked 27/06/2021)
National Dust Disease Taskforce
