Safe Work Australia has today published a new report detailing Occupational lung diseases in Australia for the period between 2006-2019.
The report provides an overview of occupational disease of the lung in Australia and identifies industries and occupations where workers may be at risk, such as the construction, mining and quarrying industries, and those working with engineered stone.
The report highlights several significant trends, including:
- a substantial increase in:
- pneumoconiosis, especially coal workers pneumoconiosis, and
- silicosis from working with engineered stone
- a decline in workers’ compensation claims for asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis
- an increase in the understanding of the role of occupational exposure and the risk of developing coal workers pneumoconiosis, and
- an apparent decline in work-related asthma cases as evidenced by fewer compensation claims.
The report shows that diseases continue to be a health concern in Australia and substantially contribute to the burden of lung disease.
Findings from the report will inform the implementation of Safe Work Australia’s lung diseases work plan and national policy to address occupational lung diseases.
Occupational lung diseases in Australia 2006–2019 was prepared by the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health.
This article was first published by Safework Australia here
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