medicals@employeeshealth.com.au
1300 880 804
Legislations
cropped-EH-Logo-long.png

EMPLOYEES HEALTH

Hazardous Substance Exposure in the Marine and Infrastructure Industry:
Health Risks and Compliance

Welcome to Employees Health Surveillance on-site nationwide for Individuals and Workplaces.

Book in your Hazardous Substance Medicals today by contacting our medical reception nationally on 1300 880 804, simply CLICK HERE to get in touch with our team, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and we will assist you promptly.

Individuals working in marine and infrastructure industry and those involved in bridge and wharf operations face significant exposure to hazardous substances, including chemical fumes and dust.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Compliance with Australian Regulations

In Australia, workplace health and safety regulations are governed by Safe Work Australia and various state and territory regulatory bodies. The key regulations and codes of practice relevant to hazardous substance exposure in the marine and infrastructure industry include:

  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011: The primary legislation providing a framework to protect the health, safety, and welfare of workers.
  • Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provides guidance on managing health and safety risks associated with hazardous chemicals.
  • WHS Regulations 2011: Include specific provisions for hazardous chemicals, asbestos management, and other hazardous substances.

 

Medical Surveillance: Regular medical health surveillance is essential for workers exposed to hazardous substances. According to the WHS Regulations, employers must arrange for health monitoring if a worker is exposed to hazardous chemicals such as asbestos, benzene, lead, and silica. Health monitoring should be conducted by a registered medical practitioner with expertise in occupational health.

Sources of Hazardous Substances

Individuals working in the marine and infrastructure industry encounter hazardous substances through various activities:

  • Construction and Maintenance: Use of materials such as concrete, asphalt, paints, coatings, and solvents.
  • Heavy Machinery Operation: Utilisation of fuels, lubricants, and the generation of exhaust fumes.
  • Maritime Activities: Handling and storage of potentially hazardous cargo, marine fuels, and chemicals.
  • Cleaning and Repair: Use of solvents, cleaners, and abrasive blasting materials.

Common Hazardous Substances and Fumes

  • Asbestos: Found in older structures and ships, asbestos fibres pose severe health risks when disturbed, leading to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
  • Benzene: Present in fuels and solvents, benzene is a carcinogen linked to leukaemia and other blood disorders.
  • Silica Dust: Generated during the cutting, grinding, or drilling of concrete and other materials, respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.
  • Lead: Found in old paints and coatings, lead exposure occurs during surface preparation activities, resulting in neurological damage, kidney disease, and other systemic health issues.
  • Diesel Exhaust Fumes: Emitted from engines and heavy machinery, diesel exhaust contains particulate matter and gases such as nitrogen oxides, associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • Solvents: Common in paints, coatings, and cleaning agents, solvents such as toluene, xylene, and methylene chloride can cause acute effects like headaches and dizziness, as well as chronic health issues including liver and kidney damage.
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Generated from the combustion of organic materials, PAHs are found in tar, asphalt, and diesel exhaust. Long-term exposure is linked to various cancers.
  • Heavy Metals: Including mercury, cadmium, and chromium, present in certain paints, coatings, and antifouling agents, causing neurological, renal, and respiratory issues.
  • Fibreglass Dust: Produced during the cutting or sanding of fibreglass materials, causing skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
CONTACT US

Health Impacts

Exposure to these hazardous substances can result in a wide range of acute and chronic health effects:

  • Respiratory Diseases: Inhalation of dust, fibres, and fumes can cause conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Cancer: Many substances, including asbestos, benzene, and PAHs, are known carcinogens, significantly increasing the risk of various cancers.
  • Neurological Effects: Chemicals like lead, solvents, and heavy metals can affect the nervous system, leading to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and neuropathy.
  • Dermatological Effects: Contact with chemicals can result in skin irritation, allergic reactions, and dermatitis.
  • Systemic Toxicity: Chronic exposure to certain chemicals can cause systemic toxicity, affecting organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow.

Mitigation and Safety Measures

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing appropriate PPE such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent inhalation and skin contact.
  • Ventilation Systems: Ensuring effective ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants in confined spaces.
  • Training and Education: Regularly training employees on the risks associated with hazardous substances and proper handling procedures.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: Conducting regular air quality monitoring and health surveillance of workers to detect early signs of exposure and implement timely interventions.
  • Substitution and Engineering Controls: Utilising less hazardous materials where possible and implementing engineering controls such as dust suppression systems and exhaust ventilation to minimise exposure.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US