Safe Work Australia has launched a new campaign focusing on industries most at risk of occupational lung diseases. 

The authority’s Clean Air. Clear Lungs. Campaign has turned its attention to manufacturing - a broad industry and workers can use many hazardous substances. 

Safe Work Australia says tasks where manufacturing workers can be exposed to hazardous substances that can cause lung diseases include:

  • welding (which can release hazardous fumes)

  • spray painting (which releases hazardous fumes and vapours)

  • working with materials that release vapours and fumes containing isocyanates, such as making rubber, foams and plastics

  • using paints, glue and varnishes containing isocyanates that release vapours and fumes

  • food production that involves flour and other dusts

  • resource technology and minerals processing that releases dust and metal fumes

  • medical products and pharmaceuticals that release dusts and fumes

  • recycling processes that could release harmful contaminants

It is also highlighting risks to construction workers, such as dust from concrete and fumes from welding. 

Safe Work Australia says tasks where construction workers can be exposed to hazardous substances that can cause lung diseases can include:

  • creating dust when cutting, grinding, polishing and crushing concrete, pavers, tiles and bricks

  • creating dust when cutting plasterboard 

  • using paints, glue and varnishes containing isocyanates that release vapours and fumes

  • welding which can release hazardous fumes

  • creating dust when cutting and sanding some types of wood

More information on managing these risks is accessible at the campaign link posted above, and in the form of info-animations.