Many Australians face workplace hazards endangering their health, yet the results can be easily overlooked.
Dust diseases, such as occupational asthma, asbestosis and silicosis, are among the life-threatening conditions facing people working with toxic airborne contaminants.
However, people who are diagnosed with cancers and other lung diseases may not be aware that workplace exposure may be a contributing factor in their condition.
This includes smokers or people who have been smokers in the past.
Not only is it important for your GP to record your smoking history, it’s important they know whether you have been exposed to toxic workplace materials.
Having a full clinical and occupational history can determine the correct diagnosis.
It’s also important to know if someone has an underlying medical condition and has been exposed to workplace toxins that either exacerbate or increase the risk of contracting an illness.
These people still have legal options of compensation.
Workers who have been exposed to toxins in the workplace such as crystalline silica – a common dust stonemasons encounter when cutting and polishing engineered stone – can empower themselves by asking questions of medical professionals.
These focus on:
Be as detailed as possible with dates of work, type of work tasks carried out and the materials used.
Your GP is a good starting point and they may refer you to an occupational health physician, who specialises in managing work-related conditions.
An occupational health physician will collect information about your previous and current health, your job, hazards you may face and any current symptoms.
They will also ask about any medications taken, allergies, drug and alcohol use, smoking and family’s health history.
If they need more information, health monitoring may be recommended.
Health monitoring involves using medical tests to monitor and protect a worker’s health because of exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as crystalline silica, asbestos, benzene and many more.
Workplace dust diseases can result in occupational asthma, asbestosis, silicosis and in some cases lung cancer.
Cases of occupational asthma and asbestosis are declining, but the number of people with fibrotic lung diseases including silicosis are on the rise.
In 2019 there were an estimated 350 cases of silicosis in Australia, according to researchers at the Centre for Resources Health and Safety at the University of Newcastle.
With more than 500,000 workers being exposed to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace every year, it is feared silicosis numbers will continue to increase.
Silicosis is a debilitating and incurable lung disease caused by breathing in crystalline silica, which is found in stone, sand, concrete and mortar.
It is used to make composite stone for benchtops, bricks, tiles and some plastics.
If you have been diagnosed with an illness linked to exposure at your work you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Continuing to work in a dangerous work environment may be one of the worst things you can do for your health. Speak to one of our expert dust diseases lawyers, call 1800 763 192 for a free consultation.
Originally published on The New Daily.
Document exposure now in case you develop an asbestos, silica or other dust related disease later. This can help you with a future claim.
Contact us today
Our dedicated workplace disease lawyers have significant experience in helping clients get compensation for occupational diseases caused by asbestos, silica, dust exposure and more. Contact us today and find out how we can help you.
We are here to help. Give us a call, request a call back or use our free claim check tool to get in touch with our friendly legal team. With local knowledge and a national network of experts, we have the experience you can count on.
We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.
We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.