The dangers of diesel

According to SafeWork Australia (SWA), approximately 1.2 million Australian workers were exposed to diesel exhaust in the workplace in 2011. Those at risk cover a range of occupations including drive-in booth operators, miners, construction workers, oil and gas workers, forklift drivers, loading dock workers, truck drivers, farm workers, stevedores and vehicle maintenance workers.

Short-term exposure to high levels of diesel exhaust can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation or even suffocation. Long-term exposure can worsen allergies, increase the risk of heart and lung disease and increase the risk of lung cancer.

The major source of workplace exposure to diesel exhaust is from heavy vehicles that use diesel, like trucks, buses, trains, tractors, ships, bulldozers and forklift trucks. Exposure can be higher for those working in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where the concentration of exhaust can build up, like in vehicle repair workshops, tunnels, partially covered roadways and walkways.

SWA has released a range of guidance materials that offer valuable information for workers and managers on how to manage the risks of exposure, in keeping with work health and safety requirements. The documents outline specific legal duties from a WHS perspective, as well as a process for identifying risks, assessing the likelihood of someone being harmed and how to take action to control the situation.

For more information and to download the guides, visit the SWA website here.