A recent Sydney Morning Herald article has put a spotlight back on silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in fine silica dust.
The story follows a Sydney tunneller diagnosed after years working on major infrastructure projects. His experience reflects something we’re hearing more often: that safety systems don’t always match what’s happening on the ground.
At Law Partners, we act for people affected by dust diseases, including silicosis. Our senior associate lawyer and dust disease specialist, Dean Pefani, says the risks for tunnelling workers shouldn’t be underestimated.
“I can’t help but agree with concerns that this could become a public health issue that’s still in its early stages,” Dean says. “The sandstone under Sydney is estimated to be around 85% silica. As soon as it’s cut during tunnelling, that dust becomes airborne and can be inhaled.”
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Get startedTunnelling projects often involve large teams working in confined environments where silica dust can build up. If proper dust control measures aren’t consistently followed, many workers can be exposed at the same time.
The SMH article highlights concerns from industry research (including time pressure, lack of management follow-through, and gaps in enforcement), all of which can affect how well workers are properly protected from silica dust.
Dean says this lines up with what he’s seeing. “These projects can involve hundreds of workers. If the right precautions aren’t taken, a lot of people may be exposed to the same harmful dust,” he explains.
One of the most concerning aspects of silicosis is how quickly it can develop after exposure to high levels of silica dust.
“Compared to asbestos-related diseases, we’re seeing symptoms appear in a shorter timeframe for people exposed to high levels of silica dust,” Dean says.
That means workers don’t necessarily have decades before issues arise. In some cases, serious lung disease can develop much sooner.
Australia has already seen the devastating impact of asbestos exposure. While silica risks are now better understood, the scale of exposure in tunnelling and construction raises real concerns about what may come next.
“There’s a real possibility we could see a new wave of cases in the coming years, particularly from workers involved in large tunnelling projects,” Dean says.
If you work in tunnelling, construction, or similar environments, it’s important to:
If you’ve been exposed to silica dust at work and are worried about your health, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with silicosis, you may have options.
At Law Partners, we’ll take the time to understand your situation and explain things clearly, in plain language. If we believe there’s a strong basis for a claim, we can guide you through what comes next.
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