The re-emergence of silicosis in the US and Australia

An online international panel discussion on increased silica exposures at work and the organising and policy responses being considered by unions and governments.

In recent years we have seen an alarming increase in the debilitating, incurable but entirely preventable disease silicosis. In Australia it is estimated that more than 600,000 workers are exposed to silica. Recent modelling has projected that unless serious action is taken to prevent exposures we are likely to see more than 100,000 Australian workers diagnosed with the disease and more than 11,000 diagnosed with cancer.

Equally concerning is the situation in the US where recent reports reveal that silicosis is rising at an alarming rate which is leading policy makers to consider emergency standards and bans on some engineered stone products to address intense exposures in certain industries.

You are invited to join an online international panel discussion to learn about the experiences in Australia and the US and understand the organising and policy responses being considered by unions and government.