New findings indicate that around 46,000 welders in Australia are regularly exposed to harmful fumes that could potentially cause cancer, with limited measures in place to protect them. Research points out that about 90% of welders are exposed to ‘welding fume,’ a hazardous combination of fine particles and gases released during the welding process, which is a known carcinogen.
Recent research from Curtin University highlights the significant exposure of Australian welders to cancer-causing fumes at work, raising concerns about inadequate protective measures.
A collaborative study between Curtin School of Population Health and the University of Sydney, funded by the Centre for Work Health and Safety, has shed light on this issue. The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, involved surveys of 634 welding professionals and their employers across Australia, focusing on their work activities, work environment, and safety protocols.
The survey results showed that a large majority of participants, around 90%, were regularly exposed to welding fumes, emphasizing the risks associated with their work. Welding fumes contain carcinogenic substances, with 76% of individuals exposed to high levels of such fumes, along with other harmful metals like hexavalent chromium and nickel.
Dr. Renee Carey, the lead researcher involved in the study and known for previous work on the dangers of engineered stone, stated that the findings suggest an elevated risk of serious health issues among welders in Australia.
According to the data, there are approximately 60,000 welders employed in Australia, potentially exposing a larger number to welding tasks. Dr. Carey expressed concerns over the health effects linked to welding fume exposure, which include cancer, respiratory problems, neurological issues, and reproductive disorders.
Co-author of the study, Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney, highlighted the challenging working conditions for welders that contribute to their exposure risks. The majority of respondents worked in confined or restricted spaces, with many leaning directly over the welding area, increasing inhalation of fumes. Despite these conditions, only a small percentage of participants mentioned the presence of mechanical ventilation systems in their workplace.
Professor Driscoll emphasized the need for improved safety measures, especially given that a substantial portion of workers do not use air-supplied welding helmets, further increasing their exposure risks.
Terry Slevin, the Chief Executive of the Public Health Association, emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the health risks faced by welders. He drew parallels with previous successful efforts to minimize health hazards like asbestos and silica exposure and called for similar proactive steps to safeguard welders’ health.
The study advocates for the mandatory use of advanced protective equipment for all professional welders in Australia to ensure their safety in the workplace.
The research also delves into the actual levels of exposure to welding fumes and the implementation of control measures in workplaces, with a forthcoming report expected to address these aspects in detail.
