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Silicosis support

Silicosis work injury claim

If you have been diagnosed with silicosis and believe it may be related to your work, contact ReturnToWorkSA on 08 8233 2545 or email silicosis@rtwsa.com to start your claim. Our specialist team can explain the claims process and the information that may be required. If a claim is made, the team will assess it and keep you informed throughout the process.

More information:

Silica dust is generated when materials containing silica are cut, sanded, polished, drilled or blasted. When this dust is inhaled into the lungs it can cause silicosis, a disease which leads to scarring and inflammation in the lungs, interfering with a person’s ability to breathe.

Who is at risk?

Silica is found in many materials common on construction, mining, quarrying, manufacturing and related industrial workplaces including soil, concrete, masonry, rock, granite and landscaping materials. If you cut, sand, drill, blast or polish materials which contain silica, or you work near others performing these tasks, you may be exposed to fine silica dust.

The finest silica dust particles are known as respirable crystalline silica or RCS. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may not be visible in the air.

Controlling the risks

It is important to minimise your exposure to silica dust.

A comprehensive list of ways to reduce exposure to silica dust is available on the SafeWork SA website- external site     and the South Australian Government’s silica information website. If you have any questions about this contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255.

What to do if you are a worker

If you work in an environment where you are exposed to silica dust, speak to your employer about how you can reduce your exposure. If you are concerned you have been regularly exposed to silica dust, speak to your employer and consult your doctor and ask for a lung assessment. Early detection and control of further exposure to silicosis is important and is likely to lead to better outcomes. If you have worked with or near silica dust, you may be eligible for no-cost lung screening through Worker Lung Check. Eligibility criteria apply, including criteria relating to the type and duration of exposure. Check your eligibility on the Worker Lung Check website.

Support while you are having lung screening

We understand that being tested for silicosis may make you worried or anxious about what this means for you and your family. Below is a list of support services that are available for specific industry sectors and the wider community. Your workplace may also have an existing Employee Assistance Program where you can access free and confidential support at this time.

Industry specific supports

Other free support services include:

What to do if you are an employer

Employers and other persons conducting a business or undertaking have work health and safety duties to eliminate or minimise risks from respirable crystalline silica, so far as is reasonably practicable.  Silica in your workplace | Asbestos.sa.gov.au can provide information on how you can ensure your workers are protected and what you need to do for ongoing health monitoring.

  • Explain why health monitoring is required and involve workers and health and safety representatives in the process.
  • Provide clear information about how monitoring will occur, how records will be handled and how workers’ privacy will be protected.
  • Provide supportive leadership and conversations about wellbeing.
  • Promote peer support and remind workers about any confidential Employee Assistance Program available through the workplace.

Useful links for employers:

Useful links for workers:

Useful links for General Practitioners:

Related links