Hire and Rental News - May 2019

Carl Kaeser opened his machine shop in Germany in 1919. 100 years later and KAESER is now a global supplier of compressed air solutions that remains true to its origins. In fact a rich history of tradition and innovation to this day allows us to continue to push the boundaries of compressed air technology! You can be assured that when you choose a KAESER MOBILAIR portable compressor, from design to manufacture, it has been developed for optimum efficiency, reliability and ease of maintenance, with an operating cost savings potential of up to 20 percent * . And, all KAESER products are ready to take advantage of the future-orientated benefits of Industrie 4.0. The result; more compressed air and more savings! Let us help you optimise your compressed air systems energy efficiency today, just phone 1800 640 611. 1919 - 2019: celebrating 100 years of tradition & innovation Keep up-to-date with our global centenary celebrations on LinkedIn and Facebook. Just search #kaeser100 * Savings may vary depending on utilisation 1800 640 611 www.kaeser.com.au KAESER HP_HRIA_May 19.indd 1 15/02/2019 11:43:56 AM The face of the silicosis crisis dies Believed to be the first stonemason to die of the irreversible lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust, 36-year-old Gold Coast stonemason, Anthony White died early in March. S ilicosis is an aggressive, irreversible and incurable form of lung disease caused by breathing in unsafe levels of silica dust, which can scar lungs and cause them to stiffen. Silica is contained in construction materials such as concrete, bricks, tiles, sandstone and granite and particularly in engineered stone (a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive) common in kitchen benchtops. Anthony White became the face of the disease after speaking out about his health and the lack of regulation in the industry. Anthony had worked as a stonemason for more than 10 years and was diagnosed with silicosis in November 2017 after developing a chest infection that would not clear up. Anthony’s brother, Shane, who is also a stonemason and had worked with Anthony at the same small stone cutting company for 10 years, was also recently diagnosed with silicosis. According to WorkSafe data reported by Nine News, in Queensland, 98 stonemasons have been diagnosed with silicosis, with 15 of those cases identified as terminal. The number is expected to increase, with a further 800 workers still waiting on health screenings to be tested for the lung disease. WorkSafe Victoria said it received 29 claims related to silicosis last year, 23 of which were lodged by wall and floor tilers and stonemasons. In NSW last year there were three cases. Silicosis can take up to 15 years to develop. The Cancer Council said exposure to silica dust can lead to the development of lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Cancer Council estimates 230 people develop lung cancer each year as a result of past exposure to silica dust at work. Not all exposed workers will develop cancer; cancer risk increases with long term or repeated high level exposure. The Cancer Council also said approximately 587,000 Australian workers were exposed to silica dust in the workplace in 2011. It has been estimated 5758 of these will develop a lung cancer over the course of their life as a result of that exposure. If suitable control measures are not in place, anyone working around silica dust has an increased risk of developing lung cancer. What can we do? While hire yard employees may themselves not be exposed to silica dust, there is a very good chance many hire businesses are renting equipment that can create silica dust on a job site. This means, there is opportunity for those rental businesses to provide customers with information and education around the dangers, as well the necessary equipment to control dust. Reducing the airborne concentration of silica dust or respirable silica is more effective than simply relying on respiratory protective equipment. Shane White said his brother was amazed after his diagnosis there were no regulations in place but Anthony had saved lives by bringing this disease and its cause to national attention. See our story in the February issue online for more information. Links: www.cancer.org.au/preventing- cancer/workplace-cancer/silica- dust.html www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ workplace-exposure-standards- review-methodology www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ media-centre/collaborating-industry- tackle-silica-dust-exposure n HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS MAY 2019 P19 INDUSTRY IN FOCUS