WorkSafe ACT launches 3-year strategy to prevent occupational lung diseases

WorkSafe ACT has launched a new plan to reduce occupational lung diseases.

According to WorkSafe, the Strategy for Preventing Occupational Lung Diseases 2021-2023 prioritises the core industries in the ACT.

The WHS Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, said the Strategy "focuses on improving our understanding of what can cause occupational lung diseases and how to effectively prevent them, so we can better protect ACT workers."

"This work represents a framework to prevent occupational lung diseases. With the effects on the lungs and the impacts of long COVID not yet fully understood from a WHS perspective, I see that COVID-19 may yet form part of a future revision of this strategy."

In partnership with other stakeholders, WorkSafe ACT has also developed a guide to assist in managing the risks of silica dust across the construction industry.

Silica dust is a natural substance found in rocks, gravel, clay and sand. Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to serious lung diseases, including silicosis.

Commissioner Agius thanked the team that worked with WorkSafe ACT to develop the guidance note,

"Silicosis is an insidious and preventable disease. Here in the ACT, we have not taken the effects of silica dust lightly. I am very happy that we could develop this guidance in partnership with key players in the construction industry."

Read the full story on the WorkSafe ACT website.