TRADIE LUNG FEARS

CASES CLIMBING: Geelong silicosis claims on the rise

CLAIMS relating to a lung disease caused by working with artificial stone continue to climb as dozens of tradies are screened for silicosis, a condition that can lead to the need for a lung transplant.

CLAIMS relating to a lung disease caused by working with artificial stone continue to climb as dozens of tradies are screened for silicosis.

Silicosis can have no symptoms initially, but can lead to breathlessness, coughing and eventually require a lung transplant.

Stonemasons are at a high risk due to the cutting and polishing of artificial stone that contains high concentrations of crystalline silica.

WorkSafe had not received claims relating to silicosis from Greater Geelong residents before 2018, but claims have mounted since.

The authority has received one claim from a Greater Geelong resident relating to silicosis believed to have been contracted in 2018.

As of this month, it has received eight claims related to silicosis believed to have been contracted in 2019 and then a further four for 2020.

It is understood numbers from past years could grow as people lodge claims relating to when they contracted the disease.

Since May 2019, about 48 stonemasons from Greater Geelong have registered for WorkSafe’s silica health screening program for stonemasons.

There have been about 129 workers diagnosed with silica related diseases since the start of the Victorian program.

Early identification of a respiratory disease through the check-up program means workers facing the disease can receive treatment as soon as possible.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman and local GP Anne Stephenson said the term silicosis referred to a number of occupational lung diseases caused by breathing in dust containing silica.

“Improvements in personal and industrial dust protection processes and awareness in traditional industries has reduced cases in recent times,” Dr Stephenson said.

She said silicosis developed over time and symptoms could appear months or years after exposure to dust.

“Medical practitioners are concerned that the popularity of stone products in recent years has outpaced developments in OHS practices and that there may be an increase in silicosis cases,” she said.

“Silicosis can be a complex disease, and symptoms of silicosis include tiredness, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.

“In the early stages of the disease there may be no symptoms.”

Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said a fast-tracked compensation process was in place for affected workers and their families so they could receive the support they needed.

“I encourage all past and present stonemasons who haven’t yet registered for a free health assessment to do so as soon as possible — it could save your life,” Ms Stitt said.

Barwon Health clinical director for medicine, specialty medicine and emergency Andrew Hughes said while there had been some cases of silicosis relating to stonemason workers, Barwon Health was yet to observe an increase in the disease.