Dusts, fumes and fibres campaign uncovers lack of awareness of hazards

An inspection campaign targeting dusts, fumes and fibres held in April has uncovered that many employers are either not aware of the hazards in their workplaces or are not taking action to reduce the risks.

WorkSafe inspectors found that dust, fumes and fibres presented a hazard to workers at almost two-thirds of workplaces visited.

Inspectors carried out 94 investigations and found hazards of this type in 61 of the locations.  They issued 57 improvement notices, one prohibition notice and seven verbal directions.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today the inspection campaign had exposed a number of issues in regard to dusts, fumes and fibres.

“The most common problem the inspectors identified was that many employers had not assessed the risks associated with dusts, fumes and fibres,” Ms Lyhne said.

“In some cases, inspectors reported that employers and managers were not even aware that some of the substances being dealt with by workers were hazardous.

“For example, inspectors visited cabinetmakers who were not aware of the hazards of exposure to wood dust and restaurateurs who were unaware that fumes from high temperature frying could be a health risk.

“But even when employers were aware that the risks existed, inspectors found quite a few workplaces where workers were not being provided with adequate information and training with regard to the hazards.

“These inspection campaigns are aimed at providing employers with information on how to comply with occupational safety and health laws, so employers who were not complying with the laws were provided with information to assist them to do so.

“We firmly believe that raising awareness is the best way in which to lessen the risk of illness and injury, and it is evident that this particular campaign has been successful in raising awareness of the risks of dusts, fumes and fibres in workplaces.”

During the campaign, inspectors who visited workplaces for any reason also assessed whether hazardous or combustible dusts, fumes or fibres were present and, if they were, ran through a checklist based around identification, assessment and control of the substances.

A variety of dusts, fumes and fibres were targeted over a number of different industries, including welding fumes in metal manufacturing, pesticides in agriculture, asbestos in construction and wood dust in cabinet making and construction.

“There are many airborne substances that can cause illness and disease in workers, and the potential risks may not be immediately recognised or fully understood,” Ms Lyhne said.

“This campaign is an excellent example of WorkSafe’s proactive work aimed at preventing injuries and illness in workplaces.”

Further information on dusts, fumes and fibres can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.