Occupational Lung Disease Report Released

Charges Laid Over Forrestfield Airport Link Project Injury

WorkSafe is prosecuting a subcontractor engaged on the Forrestfield Airport Link Project for failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment after an employee suffered serious injuries from a workplace accident near the Airport Central Station platform.

In July 2018, three employees were connecting steel pipes in an underground tunnel when a loud explosion occurred. A flexible rubber hose, 6 inches long, containing high-pressure compressed air, had detached in the work area, resulting in an unrestrained whiplash motion that struck a work crew member in the face.

The worker was knocked unconscious and suffered severe facial fractures and lacerations, a fractured right hand, an eye injury and a traumatic brain injury. He underwent nine hours of surgery and was placed in an induced coma for 11 days. Since the accident, he has endured extensive medical intervention, including facial surgeries, dental surgeries, plastic surgery, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

This incident highlights the serious risk workers face when equipment safety checks are overlooked on active job sites. The case will be mentioned in the Perth Magistrate Court on July 23.

The original article can be viewed on the Government of Western Australia website.

Occupational Lung Disease Report Released

Summary: Safe Work Australia has released a new occupational lung disease report and launched an awareness campaign running until December 2021, spotlighting rising pneumoconiosis and silicosis cases linked to workplace dust and hazardous air exposure.

Campaign Launched to Tackle Occupational Lung Diseases

A campaign on occupational lung disease awareness has been launched by Safe Work Australia and will run until December 2021.

The Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign aims to raise awareness about the risk of occupational lung diseases caused by workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals and dust. Persons conducting a business or undertaking are the primary audience for this national campaign, which highlights often unseen air quality hazards that can put workers at risk of developing lung conditions affecting the respiratory system, including dust, gas, fumes and vapours. Businesses seeking practical guidance can also review our occupational lung disease target of new Safe Work campaign for further detail on the initiative.

Key Findings From the Occupational Lung Disease Report

The Occupational Lung Diseases in Australia 2006-2019 report highlighted a substantial increase in reported occupational lung diseases, particularly silicosis linked to work with engineered stone. Chronic exposure to fine dust particles remains one of the leading causes of occupational respiratory diseases across Australian industries.

Asbestos-related conditions also feature prominently among documented occupational lung diseases, reinforcing why ongoing monitoring of workplace air quality remains a critical health and safety priority. Historical asbestos use in construction and manufacturing continues to contribute to new diagnoses, making asbestos awareness a core component of any workplace health strategy.

Why This Report Matters for Workplace Health and Safety

Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter said, "Occupational lung disease continues to be a major work health and safety concern in Australia."

"It's incredibly important to know what hazards exist at your workplace and how to eliminate and manage them."

For safety professionals in construction, manufacturing and healthcare, this reinforces the need for robust risk assessments around airborne contaminants. Reducing asbestos exposure, managing engineered stone dust and improving ventilation are practical steps that lower risk across high-hazard sites.

Resources Available Through the Clear Lungs Campaign

The Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign kit is available on the website and includes a suite of resources to help identify hazards and eliminate and manage risk of occupational lung disease in the workplace.

• Guidance for identifying airborne hazards and asbestos-containing materials
• Practical tools for managing engineered stone dust exposure
• Health monitoring recommendations for at-risk workers
• Resources supporting compliance with workplace safety obligations

For more information, visit www.swa.gov.au/clearlungs or contact your regulator. Organisations reviewing broader workplace safety documentation may also find our WA agricultural industry inquiry report released article relevant, alongside our coverage of the NSW Mine Safety Report released.

Businesses managing hazard reporting processes can strengthen their systems using our Hazard Report Form - NZ and our Conformance Report - NZ, both designed to support consistent documentation of workplace risks.

The original article can be viewed on the Safe Work Australia website.