Shining a Light on Silica Dust: Increasing Awareness and Preventing Occupational Hazards

While existing workplace health and safety laws do outline the obligations and duties of employers for the protection of workers, as well as a workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica, Kate believes that the risks are not always understood and the legal requirements are not always put in place.

“Some workplaces often don’t understand what the law requires of them, or the risk that silica dust poses to the workforce and as a consequence, they don’t put the necessary protections in place. One of the biggest gaps that I see at the moment is basic compliance with health and safety laws,” she says.

Understanding silica dust exposure

Silica exposure occurs when materials containing silica are manipulated through industrial and manufacturing processes such as cutting, drilling or crushing (most commonly in industries including mining, construction, tunnelling, demolition, pottery and stonemasonry). Workers involved in these processes can be at risk of developing silica-related diseases, ranging from silicosis to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease scleroderma and lung cancer.

A multi-layered approach is key

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) alone is not enough to protect workers from silica dust exposure. “Personal protective equipment is always the last line of defence, and it’s only used to supplement other control measures in place. Businesses should always look to put what we call ‘higher-order’ control measures in place first,” says Kate.

This involves the design of processes so that silica-containing materials are replaced with no-silica products. If that’s not possible, then it’s imperative to prevent the need to generate dust in the first place, which relies on a good focus on health during the design phase of a project or build. “Then we start to look at what’s known as ‘engineering’ controls, so the use of water for dust suppression, and/or on-tool ventilation or other types of ventilation to remove the dust. In some industries, even with all of these engineering controls, silica dust remains in the air, so PPE in the form of respirators is essential,” adds Kate.

Providing training to workers who are required to handle or use silica-containing products is critical, in addition to genuine consultation with workers to improve understanding and facilitate two-way conversation around what’s needed to keep workers safe.  “It’s been reported that workers with no education, information or training on silicosis prevention have an eight-fold greater risk of developing silicosis,” notes Kate.

With increasing focus on this important issue, there have been some further in-roads in the development of tools and equipment, including built-in dust suppression systems on hand-held tools or larger heavy machinery, as well as mobile dust suppression and ventilation systems, and real-time monitoring solutions. However, Kate stresses that these are only effective if used properly.

Helping workers breathe freely

To further promote the prevention of silicosis in the workplace, Kate will be delivering a presentation at the Workplace Health and Safety Show, highlighting prevention strategies and providing attendees with practical tools and resources to manage exposure and disease prevention in their workplaces. Her presentation is scheduled for Thursday, 21 September, as part of the free Knowledge Centre program.

“It’s estimated that 100,000 Australian workers may be affected by silicosis, though many cases go undetected until the disease is advanced. Organisations need to work closely with occupational hygienists, to address the problem and implement effective prevention measures. Kate’s presentation provides businesses and employees with a stellar opportunity to learn more about the risks associated with silica exposure, their legal obligations and the prevention and management of exposure,” adds Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition Group (IEC), organisers of the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Kate’s presentation rounds out a jam-packed two-day program of free interactive seminars, forums and panels, as well as an exhibition featuring over 130 exhibiting brands showcasing the latest in safety tech, solutions and services. Registration is free.

Interested professionals can view the complete Workplace Health and Safety Show program and register, at https://www.whsshow.com.au/sydney/program.