Health assessments and work options for stonemasons and people working with crystalline silica

Free health assessments for stonemasons

The Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic (AORC) conducts a silicosis health assessment program. This is available to eligible workers in the Victorian stonemason industry.

To find out if you are eligible, call WorkSafe's Silica Advisory on 1800 136 089 (option 2, then option 4) or email [email protected].

Interpreters are available if you would like to hear information in your preferred language. Just ask for an interpreter when you contact the advisory service.

You can continue working during the health assessment program

You will undergo a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary health assessment at the AORC. At the end of the single-day assessment, you will receive your health outcome and a management plan.

You can continue your usual work during your health assessment. A medical specialist will advise if you should not return to your regular work.

Keep your follow up appointments

If your medical specialist says you can keep working as normal after your assessment, then you can continue your regular work.

Your medical specialist may advise you to return to your regular work with changes to your environment or duties. It is important you follow this advice.

You should have your health regularly monitored and attend follow up appointments as recommended. At the end of the assessment, the AORC will recommend when a follow up assessment should take place. The follow up may be done at the AORC or with a different medical specialist.

If you are diagnosed with silicosis you may be advised to not return to stonemasonry

If you were diagnosed with silicosis and left your job, you should ask the AORC or your respiratory specialist doctor if it is safe for you to return to a stonemasonry environment, as the advice will depend on your individual symptoms and capacity.

Returning to work after the ban on man-made crystalline silica in workplaces

The Victorian Government banned manufacturing, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs from 1 July 2024. More information is available on WorkSafe’s website.

If you were diagnosed with silicosis and left your job, you should ask the AORC or a medical specialist if it is safe to work in stonemasonry.

Financial support if you have to stop work

If you are diagnosed with silicosis or a silica-related illness as a result of work- related exposure to crystalline silica, you can make a claim for workers compensation.

If your claim is accepted for silicosis or a silica-related illness you may be entitled to the following.

• Weekly payments to help replace your income if you are unable to work.
• Reasonable medical costs related to your illness.

If you need to make a claim, contact WorkSafe Silica Advisory on 1800 136 089 (option 2, then option 4).

Re-training and employment support

If your workers compensation claim is accepted, your case manager will talk to you about available support.

If you and your doctor agree that you are ready to think about work options, you will be referred to an occupational rehabilitation provider (OR). This expert will help you look at the best re-training options for you. In most cases re-training will be paid for under your claim.

Some stonemasons have re-trained by:

• taking a traffic management course
• undertaking a trade apprenticeship
• getting a truck driving or forklift licence
• completing a computer course with the aim to work in trade supplies.

Safe return to work environments

Dusty environments and extreme temperatures should be avoided by people with silicosis. Your OR will work with you and your medical practitioner to find future employment options that are right for you.

Mental health support

You can access mental health services at any time through Medicare by contacting your medical practitioner. You do not need an accepted workers compensation claim to access this support.

If you do have an accepted claim your medical practitioner can write a referral for mental health treatment.

More information

WorkSafe has a dedicated Silica Advisor to answer your questions. Speak to a Silica Advisor on 1800 136 089 (option 2, then option 4) or email [email protected].

Interpreters are available if you want to hear information in your preferred language. Just ask for an interpreter when you contact the advisory service.

If you are a member of a union, you can contact your union for assistance and advice.