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.
We are committed to the professional development of our members. One of the ways that you can fast track your professional development is to apply for one of our Professional Development Awards. Whether you are starting out at the AIOH, mid-career or looking at your next career move, then you should seriously consider applying for one of the many awards available. Congratulations to our 2024 Award winners. AMCOSH BEST CONFERENCE ELECTRONIC POSTER AWARD WINNER – PIETER BERTIER & STEVEN VERPAELE “An evaluation of validation schemes for the direct-on-filter X-ray diffraction method for analysis of respirable crystalline silica” 3M BEST CONFERENCE PAPER WINNER – 2024 – ANDREW ORFANOS Utilisation of the NEPM HIL for Lead in soil significantly overestimates worker exposure to leads associated with lead-containing dusts that may be present within South Australian Government Buildings INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC AIOH CONFERENCE PACKAGE AWARD WINNER – SCOTT MIDGLEY EUROFINS INNOVATION AWARD – PROFESSOR DINO PISANIELLO ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS (AES) POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER – AMAN KAUR Dräger YOUNG HYGIENIST AWARD WINNER – LEE CHERRY AIRMET PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT AWARD WINNER – JASON GREEN Applications for 2025 will open in late 2025 – Please send your applications to admin@aioh.org.au We are very fortunate to have long standing supporters of our Professional Development Awards. Without our supporters, we would not be able to provide such a tremendous opportunity to our members.
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 […]
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.
A look at silica risks in construction, alternative technologies for preventing dust, engineering controls and benefits of controlling dust.
Presentation brings a reinvigorated conversation on measurement uncertainty & how it can silently impact upon our professional work.
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