As many young people across Australia plan post-high school pathways into trade apprenticeships, new research from Curtin University has uncovered alarming data about workplace safety that could help save the lives of hundreds of Aussie welders.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Sydney, found that at least 46,000 Australian welders are being exposed to potentially cancer-causing fumes.
It has prompted urgent calls for a safety crackdown within the welding industry similar to those surrounding deadly engineered stone – and for families guiding school leavers towards a trade apprenticeship, it highlights the importance of conversations around workplace safety, the essential nature of protective clothing and the importance of adhering to every available on-the-job precaution.
The survey of 634 welders revealed that nearly 90 per cent of these workers regularly encounter hazardous welding fumes, with 76 per cent exposed at high levels.
Exposure to dangerous carcinogens
Medical experts have identified these fumes as a class one carcinogen linked to serious illnesses such as lung cancer. Additionally, welders face exposure to other cancer-related metals like hexavalent chromium and nickel.
The findings, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, highlight Curtin University’s continued dedication to addressing critical public health issues through rigorous research.
In 2022, Curtin published an industry-changing study showing that 10,000 Aussie workers are set to develop lung cancer from silica dust caused by the cutting and modification of engineered stone.
This played a key role in the eventual outlawing of the popular building material, which would have otherwise gone on to claim the lives of several thousand more workers.
New research puts a blow torch to safety risks
The study was led by Curtin University senior lecturer of population health Dr Renee Carey, whose landmark work has previously exposed unknown dangers of working with engineered stone.
She says this latest research showed those undertaking welding work without the correct safety precautions were at risk of developing serious health concerns.
“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,” she explained.
“Welding fume exposure has been associated with various adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory disease, neurological disorders and reproductive effects.”
Study co-author Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney says risk levels depend on working conditions, the environment, and the protection used.
“Only 19 per cent of study participants said their workplace had some form of mechanical ventilation, such as a welding booth or exhaust hoods,” Professor Driscoll said.
“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.”
Two-thirds of the research survey respondents revealed they welded in restricted spaces, and, more concerning, nearly half claimed to work in confined spaces.
Additionally, almost 90 per cent also admitted to leaning over the welding area while working, potentially placing their breathing zone directly above direct fumes.
Welding industry must address the issues
Public Health Association of Australia Chief Executive Terry Slevin says the industry must address the severe health risks in the same way it was for engineered stone.
“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,” he 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’s mandatory use in our workplaces.”
The research team is now investigating how various control measures expose welding fumes.
