CFMEU launches silica dust training program to help stop Gold Coast workers dying from silicosis

A training program aiming to stop Queensland workers from contracting a potentially disease is starting as State Government starts blitz on unsafe workplaces.

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A SILICA dust training program to help stop Queensland workers from contracting the potentially fatal lung disease silicosis is launching next month.

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is running the state’s first fully-accredited silica dust program with registered training organisation Future Skills.

It comes days after the Bulletin revealed the State Government is blitzing all stone benchtop fabrication businesses in Queensland after it discovered widespread non-compliance when it began workplace audits in August.

BLITZ BEGINS ON QUEENSLAND’S STONE BENCHTOP INDUSTRY

Dust deposits in a south east Queensland stone benchtop fabrication workplace – Photo: WHSQ

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland plans to visit all 166 firms, including 44 on the Gold Coast, after a Gold Coast Bulletin investigation exposed the shocking number of young men diagnosed with the secret dust killer.

The Bulletin recently revealed 179 Queensland stonecutters have silicosis; workers are scared to lose their jobs by speaking up as it is largely left to employers to ensure staff are screened; and an international supplier of toxic engineered stone also knew of the potential fatal risks it presented to stonecutters at least 17 years ago, but continued to sell it.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar said the silica dust training program had a special focus on workers in at-risk industry.

COAST DAD DYING FROM SILICOSIS AT JUST 34 YEARS OF AGE

CFMEU construction division secretary Michael Ravbar. News Corp/Attila Csaszar.

“Including construction and manufacturing where high silica content materials are used, such as stone bench tops,” he said.

“This is a critically important health and safety initiative that will save lives in the construction and related sectors,” Mr Ravbar said.

“Exposure to crystalline silica dust can lead to the lung disease silicosis, for which there is no cure or effective treatment.

“Silicosis is a sinister and stealthy disease, the asbestosis of the 21st century, that destroys lives and families, but most importantly it is preventable with the right regulation, safe work practices and training.

“This course will provide workers with the knowledge and skills to help prevent exposure and save lives.”

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