This AIOH submission was made to the NSW Government and makes a number of recommendation for improving the demolition licensing in NSW.
Our submission was made to the NSW Government and makes a number of recommendation for improving the demolition licensing in NSW.
NSW Dust Diseases Scheme Submission (2021) AIOH members measure dust and chemical exposures so as to determine the effectiveness of work practices and controls to protect worker health and prevent occupational disease. Occupational hygienists work closely with other health professionals working in health surveillance and worker’s compensation. The AIOH recognises the necessity for compensation, health surveillance and a dust disease registry and supports these functions. However, we are firmly of the view that these are after the event actions and primacy must be given to preventative actions. The profession of occupational hygiene is focused on prevention of occupational illness and disease by applying a range of assessment tools. We know from our experience in the field testing that the most effective way of tackling silicosis is to prevent exposure to silica dust. The prevention of silicosis is well known and regulated, and yet workers have suffered mainly in our experience because of the failure of compliance with standard dust control protocols. As professionals we need to re-energise the preventative strategies including getting occupational hygienists into all workplaces, large and small. We note that significant improvements have been made in New South Wales (NSW) since the 2019 review of the Dust Diseases Scheme. Most notable is the establishment of the NSW Dust Disease Register on 1 July 2020, the reduction of the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), and the introduction of amended Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. However, we recognise that the epidemic of silicosis in engineered stone workers has been a failure of WHS systems to protect worker health. This is not a new phenomenon as historic studies record large scale and widespread cases of silicosis in tunnelling, stone masonry, sand blasting and other industries in the 1920’s -1950’s. In essence, that was why the NSW Silicosis Board (later named the NSW Dust Diseases Board) was instigated. Both historic and contemporary situations demonstrate a failure of mechanisms to identify new and emerging issues in Australia. Moreover, non-compliance with the WES and lack of compliance with WHS regulations has demonstrated significant regulatory weaknesses in Australia. Based on the information available, there is no evidence to suggest that the rate of compliance activities has increased since the last review of the dust diseases scheme. The AIOH remains concerned that the true magnitude of silica-related diseases in a wide range of silica using/generating industries in NSW is under-represented, and the experience of our members is that the level of compliance with WHS regulations, and therefore protections for workers, remains low. The AIOH would be very happy to nominate a representative to give evidence in person at a public hearing.
Australia is grappling with the health implications of lung diseases associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the need for action, including effective workplace monitoring, for the protection of workers.
FAIOH Organisation: Cole Health, Director OH Specialisation: Occupational health risk management in a range of high-risk industries; silicosis prevention; COVID-19 management in the workplace; ventilation; respiratory protection. Other interests: I’m a strong advocate for the protection of worker health across many sectors, and am involved in several national and State committees regulating protection for healthcare workers and COVID as well as construction workers and respirable crystalline silica. Reason for being on Council: Occupational hygienists provide a unique and vital contribution to creating safer Australian workplaces. For us to make that contribution, we need to be proactive, engage in the public debate, and ensure we’re heard when it comes to key decisions that impact worker health protection. I hope to continue on the great work of previous Councils in advocating for our profession and demonstrating the important role we have in protecting worker health.
Full time, an ongoing role with an industry leader. Strong technical focus with diverse career growth opportunities. Working alongside a team of Certified Occupational Hygienists, Certified Industrial Hygienists, Indoor Environmental Professionals, Certified Environmental Practitioners, Mycologists and Infection Control specialists. Kew East, VIC location (workplace flexibility supported) The Role An exciting opportunity presents for a motivated, experienced and skilled Senior Occupational Hygiene Consultant to join our team! Reporting to the Team Manager – Occupational Hygiene & IEQ, you will be responsible for managing complex occupational hygiene projects through a client-centric approach, and successfully delivering those projects in partnership with key internal and external stakeholders. Specifically, this role will see you: Working with an amazing team of industry-leading professionals! Undertaking occupational hygiene assessments across a diverse contaminant profile such as; respirable & inhalable dust, respirable crystalline silica, chemical agents, noise, radiation, hazardous material, asbestos and general occupational hygiene risks. Complete all necessary investigation, sampling and analysis to ensure our clients are provided and effectively supported with the most relevant risk mitigation strategies for implementation. Write technical reports, and where required, provide quality assurance and technical review. Monitor assigned projects to ensure they meet defined project objectives (i.e. meet client needs, timeframes, budget, etc.) and regularly communicate with key stakeholders. Contribute to the wider teams delivery of secured work through technical guidance and support. Working with the team to identify, create and convert opportunities through proactive client relationship management. Foster positive collaboration with other relevant parts of the Greencap business to deliver exceptional client outcomes. About Us Greencap, part of the Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety Division, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wesfarmers, makes the world safer by offering risk management solutions that protect the things we value most – our people, our property, and the environment. We do this by delivering tailor-made solutions across the breadth of occupational hygiene, health & safety, property and the environment through our expert services, online solutions, and training offerings. About You As our successful candidate, you will be an experienced Occupational Hygienist with a diverse capability who is commercially focused, and has a passion for service excellence, business growth and continuous improvement. You will have experience in successfully managing a wide range of Occupational Hygiene projects and can demonstrate a client-centric can-do attitude. To be successful in this role, you will need: A tertiary qualification in Occupational Hygiene, Science or Engineering that is recognised by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH). At least a Provisional Membership of the AIOH or willingness and ability to attain. At least 3 years’ of professional experience in occupational hygiene practices preferably in a corporate or consulting role; experience with respirable & inhalable dust, respirable crystalline silica and mould would be highly regarded. Proven ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships as well as communicate effectively across all levels. Effective time management and prioritisation skills. Robust analytical approach with attention to detail as well as exceptional problem-solving abilities. A current full drivers’ licence. Be willing to complete a fitness for work assessment as some of the work activities undertaken can be physically demanding. Greencap Offers Coaching and mentoring support from […]
Find a Consultant Search our database of occupational hygienist consultants who are also AIOH professional members. SEARCH NOW Jobs Board Access our list of employment opportunities in occupational hygiene across a broad range of industries and workplaces. FIND OUT MORE Publications & Papers Our publications, technical & position papers provide relevant information & guidelines relating to workplace standards. FIND OUT MORE SILICA HUB Our vision of a healthy workplace is more important than ever & we have resources to help you during the pandemic. FIND OUT MORE Tools & Calculators Access our Workplace Exposure Standards tools & Basic Thermal Risk Assessment calculator & guidelines. ACCESS NOW AIOH Programs From research grants to resources on dust-related lung disease & respirator protective equipment fit testing training. FIND OUT MORE The Filter Magazine Read the latest news on how our members are helping to create a healthy working environment and promoting the practice of occupational and environmental hygiene in Australia. External Organisations There are a number of Australian & international organisations that provide resources for occupational health & hygiene specialists. Domestic International National & State Government Agencies National Industrial Chemicals Notification & Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) Safe Work Australia WorkSafe Victoria SafeWork New South Wales WorkCover Queensland WorkSafe ACT NT WorkSafe SafeWork South Australia WorkCover Tasmania WorkCover Western Australia WorkSafe Western Australia National Societies Australasian Faculty of Occupational Medicine Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers Australian Radiation Protection Society Australian Radiation Protection Accreditation Board Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia National Association of Testing Authorities* – Australia Risk Management Institution of Australasia Australian Institute of Health & Safety The Royal Australian Chemical Institute The Australasian College of Toxicology & Risk Assessment * The AIOH recommends that analytical testing should be performed using standard methods by a laboratory that has achieved and maintained NATA accreditation for the analysis being performed. International Government Agencies WorkSafe New Zealand Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety United Kingdom Health & Safety Executive United States Mine Safety & Health Administration United States National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration International Societies International Occupational Hygiene Association Occupational Hygiene Training Association American Board of Industrial Hygiene American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists American Industrial Hygiene Association South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health British Occupational Hygiene Society Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygiene European Agency for Safety & Health at Work International Agency for Research on Cancer International Labour Organisation New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society World Health Organisation
The AIOH welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the deliberations of the National Dust Diseases Taskforce.
This submission focuses on the epidemic of silicosis in stone-masons. In so doing, the AIOH will try to identify factors that may have contributed to the current situation. Also, given that the most effective way of tackling silicosis is to prevent exposure to silica dust, the AIOH will suggest ways in which dust exposure can be controlled to acceptable levels.
A look at the challenge presented by increasing numbers of “lifestyle” diseases and exposures to current surveillance and monitoring practice.
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