SafeWork NSW is leaving no stone unturned with its awareness campaign to warn multiple industries of the dangers of silicosis and standardised practices to prevent exposure.

Just two years into a five-year strategic plan, SafeWork says that the campaign is on course to drive down future cases of silicosis. The body has visited every stone manufacturing business in the state and has had 448 interactions with businesses in tunnelling, domestic and civil construction, foundries and building products industries.

“The strategy is comprehensive and involves four key components – awareness, interaction, research, and legislation,” SafeWork NSW executive director – specialist services Andrew Gavrielatos says.

“We’re approaching silica exposure from all angles, for example, in addition to a media campaign ‘Which Mask will you Wear?’, we’ve trained 184 inspectors to deliver education and compliance initiatives, we’ve held 48 industry forums, presentations and workshops and we’ve instigated partnerships and research into better exposure prevention techniques.

“We’re also working with icare to improve knowledge of and access to health monitoring.”

Last financial year a total of 3,563 workers exposed to silica underwent health monitoring provided by icare’s Dust Diseases Care.

During inspector visits, 617 improvement and prohibition notices have been issued to ensure all business are complying with the work health and safety obligations are being followed.