October marks the beginning of National Safe Work Month, and Lung Foundation Australia is continuing to promote the threat that silica dust poses to 600,000 Australian workers.

Lung Foundation Australia acting chief executive Paige Preston says that there are proactive steps workers can take to look after their health at work and protect their lungs.

“The easiest way to protect yourself and your mates on site from silicosis and other occupational lung diseases is to reduce your exposure,” Paige says.

“In our 2024 survey, silica dust was the most reported exposure in the workplace, with close to 4,000 respondents indicating silica dust was present in their place of work. It is not enough to have personal protective equipment (PPE) or to continually be exposed to dangerous materials and dusts because you think it won’t hurt you.”

In 2025, Lung Foundation Australia is focusing heavily on four key industries with a high risk of silica dust exposure: tunnelling, construction, mining and quarrying and manufacturing.

Silicosis diagnoses are increasing in Australia and there remains no cure, meaning it’s increasingly important to take preventative measures.

Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging Australian workers to act this National Safe Work Month and start a conversation with their GP or contact Lung Foundation Australia’s free call 1800 654 301 number.

“A simple conversation with your GP or with our trained professionals could be the start of taking better care of your lung health and potentially an early diagnosis before it’s too late,” Paige says.

“Knowledge is power, and the more Australian workers understand the risks, the more they can do to protect not only their lungs but their mates, too.”