Clinic for workers exposed to toxic dust opens
Victorian workers at risk of silicosis can now access free health screening at Australia’s only dedicated public hospital occupational respiratory clinic, making care more available for people at risk of developing the deadly lung disease.
Alfred Health has partnered with WorkSafe to establish The Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic, where eligible workers from the stonemason industry can undergo a comprehensive health assessment and receive a diagnosis on the same day.
Head of the clinic and respiratory physician at The Alfred, Dr Ryan Hoy, said that the clinic’s unique ‘one-stop-shop’ approach, and ability to link patients in with a range of other specialist services, could result in much better health outcomes for workers.
“Artificial stone-associated silicosis is a relatively recently identified condition and current knowledge indicates that some patients are at risk the diseases progressing rapidly,” Dr Hoy said.
“By providing ongoing care and review of patients, we are able to monitor this progression and provide any intervention required as early as possible to be most effective.”
Stonemasons are at a particularly high risk of silicosis - a deadly lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica - due to working with engineered stone products which contain high concentrations of crystalline silica.
WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Colin Radford said workers in the stonemason industry can often be reluctant to access health assessments due to the potential impacts of a diagnosis.
“This new centralised clinic will make the screening process as simple as possible by minimising appointments and ensuring affected workers are immediately provided with a comprehensive treatment plan.”
To confirm eligibility and book an appointment at The Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic, call WorkSafe's Silica Advisors on 1800 136 089 (option 1 then option 3) for a referral.
