At least 46,000 Australian welders are exposed to high levels of dangerous, potentially cancer-causing fumes at work — with calls for an engineered stone-like crackdown to protect them.
A new survey of 634 industry workers revealed they are being exposed to “high-risk levels” of cancer-causing fumes, with not enough being done to ensure safety.
Approximately 9-in-10 welders are regularly exposed to the fumes as part of their jobs, 76 per cent of whom were deemed to be exposed at “high level”.
Medical experts have previously identified welding fumes as a class one carcinogenic, known to cause illness and disease in humans, such as lung cancer.
Meanwhile, those in the trade are also exposed to other cancer-linked metals such as hexavalent chromium and nickel.
The concerning data comes from joint research by Curtin University and the University of Sydney and has since been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
The study was led by Curtin University senior lecturer of population health Dr Renee Carey, whose landmark work has previously exposed unknown dangers of working with engineered stone.
She says this latest research showed those undertaking welding work without the correct safety precautions were at risk of developing serious health concerns.
“Data shows at least 60,000 people are employed as welders; however, the number of people who complete welding tasks as part of their job would be far higher,” she explained.
“Welding fume exposure has been associated with various adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory disease, neurological disorders and reproductive effects.”
Study co-author Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney says risk levels were dependent on working conditions, the environment, and the protection used.
“Only 19 per cent of study participants said their workplace had some form of mechanical ventilation, such as a welding booth or exhaust hoods,” Professor Driscoll said.
“Given that many Australian workplaces are apparently without effective ventilation, it is even more concerning that nearly two-thirds of workers in non-ventilated areas reported they do not use an air-supplied welding helmet.”
Two-thirds of the research survey respondents revealed they welded in restricted spaces, and, more concerning, nearly half claimed to work in confined spaces.
Additionally, almost 90 per cent also admitted to leaning over the welding area while working, potentially placing their breathing zone directly above direct fumes.
Experts call for engineered stone-like response
Public Health Association of Australia Chief Executive Terry Slevin says the industry must address the severe health risks in the same way it was for engineered stone.
“We have seen strong action to reduce the health problems linked to asbestos and silica; this is another example where Australia’s health and safety legislation must be put to work to protect our tens of thousands of welders,” he said.
“This study demands every professional welder in Australia be supplied with upgraded protective equipment to make their work as safe as humanly possible.”
“We have the technology — now we need to ensure it is mandatory to use in our workplaces.”
The research team is now investigating how various control measures expose welding fumes.
