Victorian stonemasons at risk of silicosis will be able to get free world-class health screenings and treatments thanks to a landmark partnership between WorkSafe and The Alfred.

Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt today announced Australia’s only dedicated public hospital occupational respiratory clinic, The Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic.

For the first time, eligible workers in the stonemason industry can now undergo a full health assessment for silicosis and receive both their health outcome and a treatment plan during a one-day clinic visit. This will reduce time off work and take away much of the stress and anxiety of waiting for results.

The clinic builds on the work of WorkSafe’s free silica health screening program, which was launched in May 2019 as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s comprehensive plan to protect workers from exposure to crystalline silica and provide ongoing care to those affected.

More than 90 per cent of Victoria’s estimated 1,400 past and present stonemasons have since registered for screening. While reaching this registration milestone is an achievement, tragically there have been 168 claims to WorkSafe following positive diagnoses for silicosis.

A fast-tracked compensation process is in place for affected workers and their families so they can get the personalised treatment and support they need.

The clinic will provide a central location for assessments of eligible workers in the stonemason industry and an ongoing centre for those with a positive diagnosis to manage their illness.

Stonemasons are at a particularly high risk of silicosis due to working with engineered stone which contains high concentrations of crystalline silica.

The Government’s Silica Action Plan includes a state-wide ban on the uncontrolled dry-cutting of engineered stone, a tough new compliance code, developing Australia’s first licencing scheme and an enforcement blitz by WorkSafe inspectors.