Insurer and care provider icare NSW is urging at-risk workers to hold their employers to account and ensure they receive regular, ongoing screening for silica-dust exposure.
“It’s a legal requirement for all employers in NSW to provide health monitoring for staff at risk of exposure to crystalline silica – not just once, but on an ongoing basis, in accordance with Work, Health and Safety Guidelines,” said Nick Allsop, icare group executive care.
icare said it saw a 328% increase in silica-related screenings between 2017/18 and 2018/19, thanks to growing national conversation and the excellent work of SafeWork NSW and their Roadmap 2022 program in reaching small employers, particularly in the manufactured stone industry.
“While it’s great that we’re seeing the screening numbers continue to rise year-on-year, the rapid increase indicates that not all employers were compliant with their obligation to refer their workers in the past,” Allsop said. “Preventing harmful exposure is the first and most important priority. Increased awareness of the risks associated with crystalline silica will hopefully lead to more precautions being taken by those working with silica containing products. However, it is crucial that workers are vigilant and ensure they receive the ongoing screening they are entitled to.”
Allsop said regular, ongoing screening is critical to detect any abnormalities early, giving employees the best chance of preventing further exposure and damage to their lungs.
