At least 46,000 Australian welders are exposed to high levels of dangerous, potentially cancer-causing fumes at work and there are not enough workplace safety measures to protect them, new research co-published by the University of Sydney has found.
The research team from Curtin School of Population Health and the University of Sydney surveyed
634 workers and employers involved in welding in Australia, and asked participants about work tasks, their working environment, and safety measures implemented in their workplace.
The survey revealed the majority (91 percent) of welders are exposed to 'welding fume', a mixture of very fine particles and gases produced when a metal is heated above its boiling point. Welding fume is a known carcinogen in humans.
The Australian-first study was published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health and funded through the NSW government's Centre for Work Health and Safety.
The researchers say that exposure meant it was highly likely other carcinogenic metals were also often present. Most commonly, more than three-quarters of working environments involving welding are exposed to hexavalent chromium, a common contaminant that arises during welding, while almost half are exposed to stainless steel and nickel.
Study co-author Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney said the exposure risk was exacerbated by the conditions in which most welders worked. Two-thirds of respondents said they welded in restricted spaces and, more concerningly, nearly half said they worked in confined spaces. Most (86.3 percent) also reported leaning over the welding area while working, often putting their breathing zone directly above the fume source.
"Despite this, only 19 percent of study participants said their workplace had some form of mechanical ventilation, such as a welding booth or exhaust hoods," said Professor Driscoll.
"Given that many Australian workplaces are apparently without effective ventilation, it is even more concerning that nearly two-thirds of workers in non-ventilated areas reported they do not use an air-supplied welding helmet." Study lead Dr Renee Carey from Curtin University who was previously involved in a landmark study outlining the dangers of working with engineered stone, said this new research showed many welders in Australia could be at risk of developing serious health problems.
"Data shows at least 60,000 people are employed as welders, however the number of people who complete welding tasks as part of their job would be far higher," Dr Carey said.
"Welding fume exposure has been associated with various adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory disease, neurological disorders and reproductive effects."
Public Health Association Chief Executive Terry Slevin said the study revealed serious health risks which must be reduced.
"We have seen strong action to reduce the health problems linked to asbestos and silica; this is another example where Australia's health and safety legislation must be put to work to protect our tens of thousands of welders," Adjunct Professor Slevin said.
"This study demands every professional welder in Australia be supplied with upgraded protective equipment to make their work as safe as humanly possible.
"We have the technology _ now we need to ensure it is mandatory to use it in our workplaces."
An upcoming study will examine more precise levels of exposure to welding fume and the use of control measures in workplaces. This will be the subject of a forthcoming report.
Occupational exposure to welding fume in Australia: An online survey was published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Declaration: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Tim Driscoll reports financial support was provided by Centre for Work Health and Safety. Lin Fritschi reports a relationship with OccIDEAS Pty Ltd that includes: equity or stocks.
