Stop Deadly Dust, Protect Workers

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) have launched the STOP Deadly Dust Campaign to spotlight the often silent killers of workers in their sectors. 

The BWI is the Global Union Federation grouping free and democratic trade unions with members in the Building, Building Materials, Wood, Forestry and Allied Industries.

Unite members in construction and forestry are just some of the workers impacted by dust at work, and the new BWI campaign is looking particularly at silica and wood dust exposure. 

The BWI said, “In the construction and building materials sectors, silicosis—a preventable but incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust—has surged despite long standing awareness.  

“The rise in engineered stone usage has had devastating consequences. In Australia, nearly one in four engineered-stone workers employed before 2018 have developed silicosis or other silica-related diseases. Some workers in their 30s have died after just two years of exposure. 

“In parallel, forestry and wood workers continue to suffer from wood dust exposure—an often-overlooked occupational hazard linked to lung diseases, respiratory disorders, and cancer.”

Unite has been campaigning to reduce exposure limits on silica dust, and Unite Legal Services has information and a register for workers who feel they have been exposed to the dust at work. The union is encouraging any one who may have been exposed at work to add their details to the register and complete the Silica Dust Questionnaire.

Unite affiliates to the BWI, and Construction Executive council member Stuart Grice said, “Silica and wood dust can be deadly.

“Working in the construction industry as a bricklayer I know the dangers of exposure to harmful substances, including silica dust. It is vital that workplaces provide proper PPE and training to workers, and that they have Unite Health and Safety reps on site to support members and raise issues if they do occur.

“Unite is part of the Hazards Campaign pushing for lower exposure limits. This campaign from the BWI is very important and I would encourage people to check out their website.”

Unite branches across the country are planning events to mark International Workers Memorial Day. You can find out more here.

Find out more about the BWI “Stop Deadly Dust” campaign here. 

By Keith Hatch