Occupational lung diseases are a major work health and safety concern in Australia. Safe Work Australia’s Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of occupational lung disease to protect workers from breathing in hazardous air.
“Not all hazards in the workplace are visible. It’s important to identify if your work processes are creating hazards such as dusts, gases, fumes or vapours, that if inhaled can cause lung disease,” said Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter.
“Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure the health and safety of their workers – this includes protecting their lungs.”
“Safe Work Australia is providing PCBUs with information on how to eliminate or manage these work health and safety risks as part of their risk management process.”
“This is not a one-off – all control measures need to be reviewed regularly to make sure they are still working and controlling the risk.”
Running until December, the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign targets high-risk industries of construction, agriculture, manufacturing and engineered stone.
Safe Work Australia’s Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign is supported by Safe Work Australia Members, including work health and safety regulators.
For more, see the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign website: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/clearlungs.
Contact: media@swa.gov.au