Medicals ain’t medicals – quality screening to detect silicosis and other occupational lung diseases

Abstract

The recent increase in occupational lung diseases across Australian workplaces, such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, has reinforced the importance of quality medical screening to ensure early detection. Over 600 cases have been diagnosed in Queensland’s resources industry since 2015. Due to the long latency of these diseases, diagnoses are expected to continue for many years even after reforms to reduce exposure have been implemented. In addition to effective exposure controls, quality health surveillance that detects disease early is key to managing risk. Exposure risks are present in the oil and gas sector such as diesel engine exhaust, welding fumes and the use of silica-based proppant powder in fraccing. Ineffective medical examinations contributed to Queensland’s failure to protect resource industry workers. Early detection of disease would have identified failed controls years sooner, allowing prompt interventions to reduce exposure and disease. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the independent regulator for safety and health in Queensland’s resources industry. RSHQ regulates a national register of approved medical providers that perform lung disease screening to the high standards necessary for accurate diagnosis. This paper outlines the nature of health risks from exposure to airborne contaminants and the importance of fit-for-purpose medical examinations that can detect disease early for all resource sectors. Quality health surveillance is a critical consideration of any risk management system for the protection of workers’ health.