Safe Work Australia’s Clean Air. Clear Lungscampaign aims to raise awareness of occupational lung diseases in workplaces across Australia.
Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said the Clean Air. Clear Lungs campaign has already helped those in the construction industry realise that occupational lung disease is an important work health and safety concern in Australia.
“Not all hazards in the workplace are visible. It’s important to identify if your work processes are creating hazards such as dusts, gases, fumes or vapours, that if inhaled can cause lung disease,” Baxter said.
“Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure the health and safety of their workers – this includes protecting their lungs.”
Work Australia is providing PCBUs with information on how to eliminate or manage these work health and safety risks as part of their risk management process.”
“This is not a one-off – all control measures need to be reviewed regularly to make sure they are still working and controlling the risk,” she said.
A review is required when the control measure is not effective or before a change at the workplace that may create new hazards or risks.
This includes if a new hazard or risk is identified or if a health and safety representative requests a review.
Running until December, the Clean Air. Clear Lungs campaign targets high-risk industries of construction, agriculture, manufacturing and engineered stone.
For more, see the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign website: