Tuesday 9th February 2021

Young mother contracts silicosis after inhaling crystalline silica. 

A story reported by 9news highlights the dangers of working with respirable silica when an Australian mother-of-two has been left with a deadly lung illness after being exposed to silica dust.

Silicosis is a form of lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust. It is marked by inflammation and scarring in the lungs that can make breathing difficult.

Joanna McNeill, 34 worked an administration job at a quarry and was unaware that the exposure to small amounts of dust when leaving the office each day would one day leave her struggling to breathe.

In the interview, Joanna said, ‘My greatest fear with my kids is I just want to be around for them. I don’t want to die early. I just want to be there for them.’

Cases such as these should remind business owners and managers that they need to ensure the workplace exposure standard for crystalline silica is not exceeded. It is not just front line staff that require health monitoring but that anyone exposed to silica dust is at risk.

A comprehensive Respirable Crystalline Silica Management Plan is an affordable way to manage Silica dust risk in your workplace and keep workers safe.

Original story on the 9news website

Safety information session for Shepparton farmers this month. 

The Parklake Hotel, Shepparton, will host WorkSafe, Labour Hire Authority and Department of Health inspectors this month for an OHS information session. The information session will be held at the Parklake Hotel, Shepparton on February 10 from 5 pm-7 pm. The goal is to provide employers with constructive and practical advice on compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, covid safety advice and how support vulnerable workers.

A three-day inspection program will follow from 23-25 February with inspectors visiting orchards and packing sheds.

WorkSafe Regional Operations Director Kate Maheras said, I would encourage employers to head along to the information session before the visits to learn about what we will be looking at and ensure they fully understand their obligations before inspectors arrive.

The inspections focus will be on managing the risks with plant and manual handling and how information and training are being passed on to workers.

Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargravel said, These site inspections are important because compliance with coronavirus restrictions and having COVIDSafe plans means we’re protecting the harvest and regional communities – staying safe means staying open.

To register for the information session, or phone the WorkSafe Shepparton office on 5831 8260.

More information can be found on the WorkSafe Vic website.