This April, WorkSafe will conduct a targeted inspection campaign on dusts, fumes and fibres in workplaces throughout Western Australia. The primary aim of the inspection program will be to increase awareness of the hazards and to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place where the hazards are present. Inspectors who visit workplaces will also be assessing whether hazardous or combustible dust, fumes or fibres are present and, if they are, will run through a checklist based around identification, assessment and control of the substances.

"The health effects of exposure to these airborne substances are often not felt until much later, making it crucial to manage them in a proactive manner before the damage can be done. In addition to the potential health effects on workers, many of these substances are combustible and can be the cause of catastrophic explosions if the proper preventative measures are not taken," said Nina Lyhne, WorkSafe WA commissioner.

A variety of dust, fumes and fibres are being targeted over a number of different industries. These include asbestos, certain laundry powders and cleaning products, diesel exhaust fumes, wood dust, flour and grain dust and silica.