The level of diesel fume pollution at Southern Cross Station has been a matter of concern for many years. Last week the issue was back in the news with a former worker and union member, who has permanent liver damage, lodging a workers’ compensation claim.
The elevator mechanic worked at the station for about three years before having problems exercising, with cramps and feeling constantly tired. In 2015 his GP found his liver had stopped functioning properly. Following this, he left the job and his health improved. According to a medical examination carried out by a respiratory specialist last month, his liver damage was caused by the diesel fumes to which he was exposed at Southern Cross Station.
The claim is against his employer, Kone Elevators Pty Ltd and Southern Cross Station Pty Ltd – the private owner of the station. The ABC later revealed that the station’s owner is, through a complex company structure, a consortium of 17 industry superfunds.
One of the issues is that at present there is no workplace standard for diesel particulate matter (DPM) in Australia. Previous testing established that pollution levels at the station were mainly within the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists recommended guidelines (0.1 mg/m3 TWA 8 hours). However, based on the evolving knowledge of the carcinogenic nature of DPM, a new Exposure Limit of 0.01mg/m3 is set to take effect from 1 December 2026. Had this lower Limit applied from the date that testing first started, the station would have frequently been in breach.
Sources: Medical report links former worker’s liver damage to diesel fumes at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station - ABC News and Industry superfunds own Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. Why are workers concerned? - ABC News Previous SafetyNet story https://www.ohsrep.org.au/union_news_sn_705_southerncross and Diesel - declared carcinogen