Crystalline Silica Exposure Health Monitoring
Silicosis is a progressive and deadly disease that causes fibrosis of the lungs from the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. (RCS dust is also known to cause cancer.) RCS dust is created when materials containing silica are cut, ground, drilled, sanded, polished or otherwise disturbed. RCS particles are extremely small; they can’t always be seen with the naked eye.
Habit Health can help you to monitor your workers health with regards to silica exposure through annual health monitoring. The annual monitoring will include a silica exposure questionnaire, spirometry and a 5 yearly chest x-ray. Any result outside of normal are automatically referred to on Occupational Physician for review and recommendations.
There is currently a large body of work being completed by Worksafe in regards to the management of Crystalline Silica and we are watching developments closely and working with the Taskforce to ensure that we are in a position to update our clients on current recommendations and best practise as soon as new information is available