Survey Identifies Risk Of Respiratory Disease

A nationwide survey by Safe Work Australia has found almost four out of 10 workers are exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace.

The National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance study surveyed 4500 Australian workers to determine the extent of workers’ exposure to selected occupational disease-causing hazards.

The survey, the first of its kind to investigate exposure to workplace hazards in Australia, also examined the controls provided in workplaces to eliminate or reduce these hazards.

Airborne hazards in the workplace, such as dusts, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes, can cause or exacerbate serious respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis, and cancers of the respiratory system, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Workers were asked how long they were exposed for and what types of dusts, gases, vapours, smoke or fumes they were exposed to.

Workers were also asked to indicate whether or not particular types of airborne hazard controls (masks, respirators, ventilation systems or reducing exposure time) were provided in their workplaces.

The results of the study, released in July 2010, found:

• 39 per cent of Australian workers were exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace;
• Young workers were more likely to be exposed to airborne hazards than older workers, reported longer durations of exposure and had the highest representation in six of the 11 airborne hazard types;
• Industries with the highest likelihoods of exposure to airborne hazards were manufacturing, transport and storage, construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing;
• Occupations with the highest likelihoods of exposure to airborne hazards were technician and trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers;
• 23 per cent of workers who reported they were exposed to airborne hazards were not provided with any airborne hazard controls; 22 per cent were provided with one control, and 55 per cent were provided with more than one airborne hazard control; and
• Industries least likely to provide more than one airborne hazard control were transport and storage, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and education.

Safe Work Australia says the survey findings will enable safety agencies to focus campaigns and policy initiatives on industries and occupations with the greatest odds of exposure to airborne hazards, and those where workers reported exposure to airborne hazards with most serious health consequences.

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