Thirteen workers on the M6 tunnel construction project in Sydney have been diagnosed with the deadly and incurable lung disease, silicosis. Workers and their unions have called for immediate action from the workplace safety regulator, SafeWork NSW.
This represents one of the largest single-project silicosis incidents in recent Australian history, with Chris Donovan, Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) describing the situation as a “staggering health disaster” and a “complete betrayal of workers”.
Silicosis is an entirely preventable disease, making this outcome particularly alarming and outrageous.
Concerns were raised about potential silica dust exposure on the project some time ago, with the first case being notified to SafeWork NSW in 2023. Ninety SafeWork inspections were carried out on tunnelling sites in Sydney during 2024, however there has not been a single prosecution of a tunnelling company due to breaches of silica dust exposure. The AWU said that contractors are often given prior notice of inspections and, given the nature of accessing such projects, it can be difficult to conduct a ‘surprise’ visit.
The Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said that the government has “zero tolerance” for any employer exposing workers to unsafe levels of silica, and encouraged SafeWork NSW to “strongly enforce” the law.
The lack of response from SafeWork NSW to early reports of silica dust exposure on such projects has been labelled a “damning indictment” of the regulatory system. This crisis highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of workplace safety regulations, regular air quality monitoring and comprehensive health screenings for at-risk workers in the construction industry.
The human cost of this crisis is severe. Affected workers face a lifetime of health complications, including chronic coughing, breathing difficulties, and potential lung transplants.
The AWU and CFMEU have encouraged all members who have worked on tunnelling projects in NSW to contact their union for support and to contact icare on 1800 550 027 to organise a free lung screening.
Read more: Thirteen workers on tunnelling projects in Sydney diagnosed with deadly silicosis - ABC News