Early silicosis diagnosis vital
SILICOSIS is a lung disease caused by prolonged or excessive exposure to crystalline silica dust, a quartz-based substance found in sand, stone, concrete and mortar.
When inhaled, this dust slowly causes lung scarring (fibrosis), which can lead to a number of respiratory issues and reduces the lung’s capacity to function properly.
Given the number of industries which use these materials, it is anticipated that silicosis will affect countless Australian employees and employers.
Activities involved in masonry, stone and brick cutting, sandblasting, quarry works, road works and brick or concrete manufacture are considered high risk.
There is no cure for silicosis, and no way to reverse the lung scarring caused by crystalline silica dust, but a GP can help to medicate and manage the symptoms.
Annual medicals can also assist with the early detection of silicosis, setting a benchmark for comparison, and help physicians identify any deterioration resulting in poor lung health.
Symptoms can appear asthma-like, ranging from mild to severe, including shortness of breath, regular cough or wheeze, occasional chest pain/tightness, and minor fatigue.
Early diagnosis is important for individuals at risk because the earlier a diagnosis is made, the more impact intervention can have on improving and preserving quality of life.
A late diagnosis, on the other hand, can lead to debilitating side effects.
Concerned individuals should speak to their GP who may diagnose and assess by regularly using chest X-ray and spirometry testing methods.
While screening is more imperative than ever, preventing the inhalation of silica dust through the use of personal protective equipment, and limiting exposure to the crystalline silica dust, is the best course of action.
Mine Medicals, an Australian-owned and operated occupational health provider, understand that employee’s health and wellbeing is a top priority and is dedicated to providing mining operations with thorough medicals and health services.
Director and owner David McDougall said that good workplace health doesn’t happen by accident.
“Good workplace health takes action, and Mine Medicals makes that action easier,” Dr McDougall said.
“We know employers rely on their workers to be at their best; to get the job done, on time, to standards and safely - that is why employee health and wellbeing is so important, not just when a new worker starts a new job, but throughout their time with an employer.”
Mine Medicals offers services which have been devised to assist employers and employees, across a range of industries, to help maintain peak performance, minimise occupational hazards, diagnose occupation related illnesses and, assist with employee retention and return to work.
“When you rely on your employees to be at their best, you can rely on us to provide thorough medicals and convenient health services,” Dr McDougall said.