USG Boral supported the Lung Foundation Australia’s annual gala ball, held in Sydney on Friday 11 October.

USG Boral is committed to raising awareness about the prevention of lung disease which is diagnosed in approximately 12,740 Australians each year. The re-emergence of occupational and asbestos-related lung disease and most recently, silicosis, has been particularly concerning for the construction industry.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke shared the organisation’s focus for the coming 12 months including ongoing advocacy for increased funding to support lung cancer specific medical research, better access to treatment and medications, and a national lung cancer screening pilot program.

“I would like to thank USG Boral for their support of our work thus far. Through this event, we raised vital funds to support life-changing research and continued in our mission to raise awareness and improve outcomes for those impacted by lung disease. Together we can continue work to improve lung health for all Australians,” Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke says.

“It was a privilege to support the Lung Foundation Australia’s gala ball and develop a greater understanding of issues surrounding lung disease and the research being undertaken to help those suffering,” says USG Boral category manager – compounds Tim Harrington.

“USG Boral has a responsibility to support employee and contractor health and safety, and the greater the organisation’s awareness of how it can contribute to prevention, the more effective it can be.”

In the last few years, the construction industry has adopted numerous safety practices to minimise exposure to airborne hazards, including vacuum assisted sanding tools and more effective dust masks with higher protection against airborne particulates.

“The work place of old is no longer the norm. Working in a dusty air space being covered in dust is not something which has to go with the territory. There are simple things individuals and employers can do to protect themselves and their employees.”