Employees Health provides workplace health monitoring and occupational medical assessments for organisations whose workers may be exposed to welding fumes. We support employers across Australia with health monitoring programs, respiratory assessments, lung function testing, and workplace medical services aligned with applicable WHS requirements.
Health monitoring isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the workforce, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace.
In the industrial landscape, health monitoring plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of employees exposed to hazardous substances. This educational guide delves into the intricacies of health monitoring in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding employees against exposure to substances listed in Schedule 9 of the OHS Regulations. This guide aims to assist employers in understanding their responsibilities and implementing necessary measures to create a safe working environment.
Many studies report increased risk of lung cancer in welders or other workers exposed to welding fume. The International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) conclude that all welding fume can cause lung cancer and may cause kidney cancer, classifying all welding fume as Group 1 carcinogenic substances.
Employers are obligated to monitor the health of employees exposed to substances like inorganic compounds of cadmium, chromium, and lead, commonly found in welding fumes. If exposure is reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on the employee’s health, health monitoring becomes imperative.
Employers must consult medical practitioners or occupational physicians to devise suitable health monitoring procedures. SafeWork Australia provides valuable guidance on health monitoring specific to various compounds, aiding employers in ensuring comprehensive health assessments for their workforce.
Employers must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, providing a safe work environment by eliminating or reducing risks associated with hazardous substances. This includes regular atmospheric and health monitoring, ensuring exposure standards are not exceeded, and maintaining proper records of monitoring results.
Control measures, according to the hierarchy of control, range from elimination and substitution to engineering, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must diligently follow these measures to mitigate risks effectively.
Regular atmospheric monitoring is crucial, helping employers assess the concentration of hazardous substances in the workplace air. This data informs decisions on appropriate control measures, ensuring employees’ safety.
Employers are responsible for the proper installation, use, and maintenance of control measures. Regular reviews are essential to guarantee the continued effectiveness of these measures in safeguarding employee health.
Manufacturers and suppliers of welding products are obliged to provide safety data sheets (SDSs) upon request. Although these materials might not be classified as hazardous under regulations, welding fumes pose health risks. Employers should obtain detailed information about welding products to predict fume composition and concentration, aiding in the implementation of appropriate control measures.
Welding processes are common across many industries, including construction and manufacturing. Workers who are exposed to welding fumes can develop occupational lung diseases including lung cancer.
Yes. Welding fumes can irritate the nose, throat and lungs and may cause asthma, bronchitis, metal fume fever and lung damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies welding fume as carcinogenic to humans, mainly linked to lung cancer.
Safe Work Australia reduced the exposure standard for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average. It applies once adopted in each jurisdiction’s WHS laws, and the national move to workplace exposure limits takes effect on 1 December 2026. Specific metals in the fume, such as manganese or chromium, have their own limits.
Short-term effects can include throat irritation, coughing, chest tightness and, with zinc or galvanised metal, flu-like metal fume fever several hours later. Repeated exposure over time may lead to lung disease. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see a doctor and the workplace should review fume controls.
It is a common workplace belief, but drinking milk is not listed as a control in Australian WHS guidance and should not be relied on to prevent harm. The model Code of Practice focuses on removing coatings before welding, local exhaust ventilation, process changes and suitable respiratory protection.
Health monitoring is required where welding generates a significant risk of exposure to a Schedule 14 chemical, such as when welding stainless steel (chromium) or cadmium-coated metal, or where there is a significant risk from another chemical with valid tests. A typical program includes a respiratory questionnaire, lung function testing and examination. Employees Health can run it onsite at your workshop or fabrication site.
Depending on the materials and processes used, welding fumes may contain metal fumes, gases, and other airborne contaminants that can present health risks if exposure is not adequately controlled.
Programs may include respiratory assessments, lung function testing, medical questionnaires, occupational history review, and other assessments where appropriate.
The frequency of monitoring depends on workplace risks, exposure levels, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Yes. Employees Health supports organisations operating across metropolitan, regional, and remote locations throughout Australia.
