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

WorkSafe ACT launched a three-year plan to reduce occupational lung diseases across the territory, targeting the industries most at risk of dust-related illness.

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

Why This Strategy Matters for Workplace Health

"This work represents a framework to prevent occupational lung diseases. With effects on the lungs and 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," Agius said.

WHS frameworks like this one aim to close gaps in health protection before illnesses become widespread among tradespeople and manufacturing staff.

New Guidance for Managing Silica Dust in Construction

In partnership with other stakeholders, WorkSafe ACT has developed a guide to help manage risks of silica dust across the construction sector.

Silica dust forms naturally in rocks, gravel, clay and sand. Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to serious lung diseases, including silicosis, making early prevention essential for anyone working near cutting, grinding or drilling operations.

• Silica dust exposure is a leading cause of silicosis in construction trades
• Asbestos remains a separate but equally serious hazard on older worksites
• Combined asbestos and silica dust controls strengthen overall site safety

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 effects of silica dust lightly. I am very happy that we could develop this guidance in partnership with key players in the construction industry," she said.

Broader Context: Dust-Related Diseases Across Australia

Occupational lung diseases, including silicosis and asbestos-related conditions, remain a persistent safety concern for construction workers nationwide. Silica and asbestos exposure both demand rigorous site controls, given their long-term impact on respiratory health.

Related coverage on dust-related illness prevention includes funding announcements such as Queensland Government funding for research on occupational dust lung diseases and the Federal Government's $3 million investment to protect workers from occupational lung diseases.

For further background on how lung disease trends have evolved, see our earlier coverage of the Occupational Lung Disease Report.

Supporting Safety Systems for Construction and Manufacturing Sites

Businesses managing asbestos and silica dust risks can strengthen compliance using structured safety documentation, such as an Occupational Health Safety and Environmental Management System, alongside site-specific asbestos registers and dust monitoring procedures.

Read the full story on the WorkSafe ACT website.