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The Dust of Death

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Tunnel workers are exposed to high levels of crystalline silica.

The law changes demanded as Sydney tunnel workers face death

The union is urging the government to extend the ability for tunnelling companies to be prosecuted for exposing workers to deadly levels of silica dust.

  • Max Maddison

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New research has estimated up to 300 workers across three tunnelling projects will be diagnosed with silicosis, an incurable lung disease.

One in 10 tunnel workers at risk of silicosis, research finds

The University of Sydney research, published this month, estimated up to 300 of 2042 workers across three major transport projects would be diagnosed with the incurable lung disease.

  • Max Maddison
Silicosis.

There was a plan to stop Sydney tunnel workers from being killed. It was ignored for five years

A major construction company and SafeWork discussed strategies to protect tunnel workers from deadly airborne hazards five years ago. Cost was the primary barrier.

  • Max Maddison
A worker walks through one of the twin tunnels being constructed under Rosehill Racecourse near Parramatta.

The human cost of Sydney’s many tunnelling projects

Beneath our city, a maze of tunnels is under construction. More must be done to keep Sydney’s tunnelling workers safe.

  • The Herald's View
silicosis

A 32-year-old has a deadly disease. So do a dozen of his colleagues

Thirteen tunnellers on one single roadway project have been diagnosed with silicosis. Their employer is in the crosshairs.

  • Max Maddison
The Northconnex tunnel in Sydney being constructed in 2017.

SafeWork knew tunnel workers were exposed to ‘high levels’ of deadly silica dust

Thousands of tunnel workers have been exposed to silica. Confidential documents reveal the regulator has known since at least April 2018.

  • Max Maddison
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WestConnex staff during tunnel construction in 2021.

Revealed: The Sydney tunnel projects where deadly dust levels hit 208 times legal limit

“All you see is clouds of dust”: Thousands of tunnel workers are being exposed to potentially deadly levels of silica.

  • Max Maddison
Andrew Klohk was a stonemason for years.

Andrew has been a tradie since he was 10. His work has left him dying

In just two months, 23 new cases of the deadly disease silicosis have been reported in NSW.

  • Alexandra Smith
Joanna McNeill with daughters Matilda, 7, and Charlee, 5. The 36-year-old contracted silicosis after working in admin in a portable office at a quarry in Melbourne’s east. Most of the nation’s workplace health and safety ministers agreed in December to prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone from July 2024, while Canberra vowed to ban imports from an unspecified date, in a deal celebrated by unions and health experts.

New laws protect 600,000 workers from deadly dust, but they come too late for Joanna

New laws give workers exposed to respiratory crystalline silica dust the right to demand multiple safety control measures.

  • Amber Schultz
Benchtops made from engineered stone have become popular across the nation.

$2.5 million to enforce engineered stone ban after inspections reveal worksite issues

A national ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone, commonly used in shiny kitchen benchtops, will begin next month.

  • Mary Ward

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/the-dust-of-death-6fuy