An occupational awareness campaign on lung disease has been launched by Safe Work Australia to run until December.
Chief Executive, Michelle Baxter said the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign would help raise awareness about the risk of occupational lung disease.
“Occupational lung disease continues to be a major work health and safety concern in Australia,” Ms Baxter said.
“The Occupational Lung Diseases in Australia 2006-2019 report highlighted a substantial increase in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, as well as silicosis from working with engineered stone.”
She said occupational lung diseases were conditions of the respiratory system caused by workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals and dusts.
“This national campaign seeks to educate persons conducting a business or undertaking relevant work on how to eliminate and manage the risks of their workers or themselves developing an occupational lung disease,” Ms Baxter said.
“Not all hazards in the workplace are visible,” she said.
“Dusts, gases, fumes, or vapours can be invisible to the naked eye but can cause serious lung diseases.”
Ms Baxter said, as a result, it was incredibly important to know what hazards existed at workplaces and how to eliminate and manage them.
A Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign kit is available on the Safe Work Australia website and further information is available at this PS News link.
