CFMEU ACT has called for the state government to do more to protect workers from silicosis, the deadly lung disease. Zachary Smith, CFMEU ACT Construction Secretary, noted that silicosis is killing construction workers and added that the industry has been too slow to halt exposures.
The ACT Government’s newly announced work health and safety reforms for silica dust are critical to try to control the scourge of silicosis in the construction sector. The ban on uncontrolled dry cutting of silica-containing materials, the introduction of silica awareness training and reforms to air and health monitoring requirements are all critical steps to help combat this problem, according to the CFMEU.
“Silicosis is a horrific disease that destroys the lungs with a shockingly high mortality rate and the widespread presence of silica in construction materials means all workers face potential exposure. Unions have fought hard to combat silica exposure. It’s encouraging that some builders and subcontractors have worked with us but we need the whole industry to act together to reduce the risk posed by this deadly substance,” Smith said.
Smith acknowledged that the measures announced by the ACT Government are important, but noted that they will only work if the industry as a whole lifts its game. Smith called on the state’s construction industry to do more to protect workers, before adding that the CFMEU is currently considering if a complete ban on the use of engineered stone products in construction in the ACT is necessary.
“While some employers are doing the right thing, too many are failing to take silica exposure seriously and are cavalier about exposing workers to deadly harm. In NSW, recent safety data revealed almost one in four engineered stone workers who had been in the industry since 2018 were suffering from silicosis or another dust-related disease, prompting calls for a complete ban on high-silica products in that state,” Smith said.
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Original article from NSCA Foundation.
