The Filter - December 2021

December '21 Table of contents

The Filter Welcome to our final edition of The Filter for 2021 Welcome to the final edition of The Filter for 2021, get ready for a jam-packed edition. This quarter, we explore bias and “noise” that affect decision making and Workplace Exposure Standards. We hear from our incoming 2022 President, Kate Cole, along with her appearance on The Project, shining a light on silicosis in tunnelling to a broader audience. Finally, we have your Christmas sorted with gift ideas for hygienists, so check them out! Thank you to this years’ contributors to the Filter, we appreciate you sharing your insights with us all. To our members, we wish you all the best for this festive season and look forward to a successful 2022.

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We hope you enjoy what we’ve created for you. We'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future editions!

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admin@aioh.org.au Kate Cole, Baeu Medina, Kelly Jaunzems, Ash Boss and Peter Aspinall

December '21 Table of contents

The Filter Table of Contents

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Eric Kokoschko

3

President's Update

15

AIOH Foundation Update

4

Meet our Council

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Industry and Legislative News

5

Secretary’s Report

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BPC Report

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Feature Article

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WES Committee

7

Welcome New Members

19

Mentoring Update

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Member Spotlight

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The Project Silica

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Professional Development

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Present Ideas

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A Dose of Research

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International Events

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RESP-FIT

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Accredited Universities

13

AIOH Events

December '21 Table of contents

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE Hi all and welcome to our final edition of The Filter for 2021.

It’s an honour to be welcomed as your AIOH 2022 President and I am really excited about leading our Institute for the year ahead. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful and supportive Council, Office team, and membership, so thank you all.

Our new 2022 AIOH Council met in December and will convene again in January for our planning day. It’s at that time that we will reflect on our 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and to focus our objectives for the year ahead. For those not familiar with the Strategic Plan, you can find the simple version of our ‘plan on a page’ here.

I want to provide an update on some great recent work that has been done underneath our strategic themes where the AIOH has been busy on a number of fronts.

Advocacy and influence In October, we submitted a paper to Safe Work Australia in partnership with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) in October on the measurability of Respirable Crystalline silica. Please take the time to read it here.

Also in October, the AIOH joined together with the Cancer Council, the Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand, the Lung Foundation Australia, the Public Health Association Australia, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM), the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to write to Federal and State Ministers regarding silicosis prevention. The letter raised the importance of regulatory approaches regarding disease prevention in construction workers, tunnellers,

Business Minded Approach

quarry workers and others as equally important as engineered stone workers. The letter recommended

We are the fortunate recipients of the work done by previous Councils and our amazing Office staff to streamline our administrative processes. For example, our financial approvals, membership approvals, and RESP-FIT certification approvals are all electronically

that governments adopt consistent regulation across all jurisdictions to prevent hazardous exposures to respirable crystalline silica exposures, across all industries. The importance of this was highlighted recently by Channel 10 who covered the case of a tunnel worker, Shane Wormald, with silicosis on the

managed using Monday.com, and our financials are reported live in PowerBI. Streamlining these systems means that those that volunteer on Council no longer are faced with a heavy administrative burden. It also enables easy access to information very quickly to help inform decision-making.

Much work has been led by Sharann Johnson this year on our new AIOH website which is now live. While the website is much more user friendly and has a more professional ‘front-end’, it is the ‘back-end’ section that is most-exciting, as we can now harness the power of Salesforce which will greatly help us ‘run our business’. The new website has some great new features including a completely new MyCOH function,

show The Project, which you can watch here.

The Final Report from the National Dust Disease Taskforce included a recommendation to immediately finalise a National Silicosis Prevention Strategy and an associated National Action Plan. The AIOH was invited to participate in a workshop in November in the development of that strategy. That work will continue into the new year.

In November, the AIOH provided comments on the measurability of specific Workplace Exposure Standards to Safe Work Australia. Our members can read the paper that covered Calcium Hydroxide,

so please check it out.

Copper fume dust and mist (as Cu), Acrolein and Calcium Sulfate in the Submissions area of our new

Professionalism

website.

The AIOH has embraced the use of technology over the past two-years. We started with virtual Council and Committee meetings and have now progressed to

In December, the External Affairs committee worked to produce a submission to the 2021 Review of the NSW Dust Diseases Scheme, which will occur in February

using virtual platforms for Certification and Full Membership oral examinations.

2022. We will post that submission up on our new website soon.

The PD&E committee have recently worked to develop an AIOH Career Development Pathway for occupational hygienists. This is a fantastic body of

Thank you to those who participated in our national safe work month campaign. Our web-page explaining the value of occupational hygienists was viewed over 1,400 times. The campaign encouraged our members

work and I look forward to it being shared it with our members at our Conference in March.

Enhanced Profile It has been wonderful to see the recent collaboration across Industry with the AIOH and other allied associations. As one example, November’s webinar on “Sampling Asbestos – The good, the bad and the ugly” was enhanced through the important contributions from allied associations and attracted over 700 registrations which was fantastic!

to add the text below into email signatures. While our profession has received much heightened awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still much more awareness-raising to be done.

While we have to wait until March to catch up in person at our Annual Scientific Conference and Exhibition, I encourage you to stay connected and follow us on our social media sites. https://www.linkedin.com/in/aioh-inc/ Organisational Agility

I participated in a roundtable earlier this month on the topic of COVID and Ventilation which was led by the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia (AMCA). Attended by a number of leading associations, roundtable discussions such as these highlight the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue of airborne transmission of COVID-19.

I would like to acknowledge the amazing contribution from our members and the amount of volunteering that goes into keeping our Institute to such a high standard. We are fortunate to have many productive and responsive committees and Boards.

Going into next year, I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the great work that has been achieved to date.

Thanks everyone for your support – and I look forward to seeing as many of our members as possible at our Annual Scientific Conference & Exhibition in March 2022.

Stay healthy everyone.

Kate Cole

December '21 Table of contents

MEET OUR AIOH 2022 COUNCIL Following our first virtual AIOH Annual General Meeting, our new 2022 Council began busily working away behind the scenes continuing to build on the great work laid down from past President Ross Di Corleto and the 2021 Council.

Our AIOH Council consists of the President, PresidentElect, Treasurer and Secretary and three Council members. Under the leadership of President Kate Cole, Council will meet each month to further progress key tasks that underpin our Strategic Plan.

But who are our Council?

Our AIOH President is Kate Cole MAIOH COH CF. With a background in contaminated land remediation, mining, construction and tunnelling, Kate has been a staunch advocate for the protection of worker health across many industry sectors. A previous winner of the AIOH Draeger Young Hygienist Award and 3M Best Paper Award, Kate has recently been campaigning for stronger safety protections for workers in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Honorary Secretary is Neil Goulding, FAIOH COH. Neil has been a part of the AIOH community for 25 years participating across the Education, SLO, Conference and Certification committees.

Starting his career with the Victorian regulator, he transitioned to a corporate role supporting oil, gas and fuels industries. On the side, he continues to support and guide colleagues on their professional hygiene journey.

Our AIOH President-Elect is Tracey Bence FAIOH COH. Tracey was delighted to join the AIOH 2022 Council having joined the Board of Directors of its charitable arm the AIOH Foundation in 2021. The mission to protect worker health and promote what occupational hygienists can do is her driver. Tracey’s work experience includes technical and leadership roles in Australia and the US. With experience in construction safety, operations and maintenance of major hazard facilities, Tracey understands workplace exposures and what needs to change in order to get better health outcomes for Australian workers. Most recently she has focused on pandemic response for a multinational workforce and raising the profile of dust disease in Australian workplaces.

Our AIOH Treasurer is Aleks Todorovic MAIOH. While Aleks is well known for his copious knowledge surrounding all things measurement and sensing, it is Aleks’ business and financial management knowledge that has greatly benefited the AIOH in his role as Treasurer.

Our three Councillors are Melanie Windust MAIOH COH, Dr Kelly Johnstone MAIOH COH and Candice Dix MAIOH COH

Melanie’s background spans major hazard facilities, aviation, mining, dangerous goods, logistics, oil and gas, regulatory and manufacturing. Melanie is an active member on the AIOH Awards Committee and is a former Director of the AIOH Foundation.

Candice is experienced working across the mining value chain in health, hygiene and sustainability assurance. A previous 3M Best Paper Award recipient and 2019 Conference Chair, Candice is excited to continue advocating for the profession that has impassioned her for 13 years.

Kelly’s passion is on the continuing education and professional development of occupational hygienists and health and safety professionals. Kelly is an active member of the Professional Development and Education Committee and past Virtual Symposium Chair.

December '21 Table of contents

FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK I was appointed to the Secretary role in December 2019 and I saw it an opportunity to make a difference to the AIOH, and COVID helped make that change. Not only did COVID help shine the light on the AIOH and occupational hygienists, it meant we started to use new technologies to enhance the delivery and offerings to the members. Changes were: Introduction of the new Full Membership Virtual interview format and improved membership application processing time to less than 1 month.

Introduction of virtual Certification oral examinations allowing members around Australia easier access to sit for the oral examination and not just at the annual AIOH Conference.

Introduction of the Ethics Form with the payment of annual subscription to remind members of their commitment to ethical behaviours and the AIOH Code of Conduct.

Overhaul of the AIOH IT systems, including launching the new AIOH website with an improved CRM for the members data base, development of the AIOH Foundation and RESPFIT websites. These were developed with the guidance of Mark Pinoli who was the engine behind how to implement better IT systems, particularly RESP-FIT. This is the best integrated IT systems globally for such a program. The MYCOH system was rebuilt so the new website will allow COH members to manage their CM points with much more ease than previously.

Personally working with key partners and building stronger relationships with NATA, AHCA, ASEA saw our biggest webinar ever with 700 registrations on the collection samples of asbestos containing materials.

Finally, a big thank you to a fabulous core group of people in our office administration, Baeu Medina, Alicia Gorman, Craig Price and the Sitech team. They may be invisible but their commitment to the success of the AIOH is ever present in the work they do for members.

It has been an amazing journey over 2 years working with two great Councils and engaging with many new members around Australia.

There was with a little sadness handing over the Secretary email address to Neil Goulding who I know will continue the success of the AIOH. Now there is a new and dynamic Council under the leadership of Kate Cole and I am sure the AIOH will continue to build and improve in 2022.

December '21 Table of contents

FEATURE ARTICLE Noise, bias and decision making – to control, we need to recognise David Lowry, MAIOH, COH

Noise. It is safe to say that in the occupational hygiene world, it is pervasive, persistent, and often very hard to control. However, I’m not talking about the type of noise we measure with a dosimeter or a handheld sound level meter. Consider the following scenario – a group of four hygienists are asked to complete a subjective exposure assessment. The task is relatively simple – each hygienist is asked to estimate the mean exposure to inhalable dust in the same work group by

The ‘true’ exposure category (which has been defined previously through personal sampling) is ‘50 – 75%’, however our hygienists do not know this. The results are shown below in Scenario A, with each estimate denoted by the bold X:

placing their estimation in an exposure category (expressed as a % of the relevant exposure standard).

Each hygienist is familiar with the work group and agent in question and feel they are up to the task.

Scenario A

At this point, I’m sure you’re all wondering what exactly is going on and what does this have to do with noise.

Well, this simple visual display of results is the visual expression of noise, only we are talking about system

It prompted many psychologists and behavioural economists (including Sibony and Sunstein) to study the causes and remedies for many such faults, including overconfidence, stereotyping and

noise, as opposed to the occupational or environmental variety. The variability that you witness in professional judgment in this infographic is an example of noise, the ubiquitous and often-ignored

confirmation bias — or seeking, remembering, and placing excessive weight on information that supports our beliefs. In their book Noise: a flaw in human judgment, Kahneman and Co explain a few fundamentals, including that “wherever there is judgement, there is noise” and to also describe the difference between two types of error, noise, and bias.

The former being the variability of error, the latter

human failing that is the focus of a well-researched, convincing, and practical book Noise: a flaw in human judgment which was recently written by the psychologist and Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman, former McKinsey partner and management professor Olivier Sibony, and legal scholar and behavioural economist Cass Sunstein.

Kahneman won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences

being the average of error. To appreciate the difference visually, let’s return to our four hygienists who have now repeated the same exercise, this time with three other workgroups. For simplicity, let’s say that the ‘true’ exposure category is once again ‘50 – 75%’ in the following three scenarios:

for his ground-breaking work with Amos Tversky on systematic biases in judgment.

Scenario B

Scenario C

Scenario D

Scenario B depicts accuracy in professional judgement in all four hygienists – the estimates of exposure are aligned to the ‘true’ exposure profile, which we know sits in the 50 – 75% category. Scenario C and D are inaccurate, but in distinctive ways.

Scenario C has produced biased results – all

In their book, Kahneman and Co outline a process for identifying and preventing noise to improve decision making accuracy. The first step is to undergo a ‘noise audit’ to assess the degree of noise in a given system.

This audit involves evaluating a set of judgments and asking the question - “how much variation is there

estimations do not fit the ‘true’ exposure category and are clustered together. Scenario D has produced results that can be descried as both noisy and biased – all estimates are inaccurate and there is high variability in the spread of the data.

Many of us are familiar with the term bias. It’s one of

between independent judgments?” The second step in the process addresses ways to prevent noise by employing procedures called ‘decision hygiene’ practices. The goal is to produce an independent, factbased evaluative judgement. Some suggestions to reduce noise include aggregating and averaging the independent assessments and imposing structure for

those concepts that has made its way into our common vernacular, its meaning well-understood as factors that sway judgment in a particular direction. In addition to bias, it turns out there is another, equally significant reason for errors in judgment - noise. Both bias and noise are fundamental concepts which must be understood and accounted for to successfully

assessments. The authors also mention that absolute scales have more noise than relative scales. As a more extreme solution to reduce noise, human decision making can sometimes be removed altogether and replaced with algorithms. Clearly, using rules and algorithms to replace human judgment has the potential to introduce its own systematic bias (not to

evaluate science and make the most accurate decisions possible. Noise is the unwanted variety in a set of responses, or judgments about something unwanted because the variability is not beneficial but rather represents deviation, or error. As we have seen in the above examples, a noisy system is one that has a large variation in decisions pertaining to a given topic.

mention that an actual person must program the machines).

Importantly, bias and noise exist independently of one another but are both always present to some degree in

data and in the presence of high uncertainty. Accurate decision making builds trust and credibility, whereas

human decision making. Ultimately, the aim is to improve accuracy by reducing the unwanted variability (noise) and average error (bias) in the decision making process, but how do we do this?

inaccurate decision making can leave workers unprotected or at risk of harm. To make effective judgements, we not only have to have information, but we also need a system and process in place for navigating bias and noise, respectively. As a starting

This is all very relevant to us as Occupational Hygienists. A cornerstone of our profession is our decision making and professional judgement, sometimes deployed in the absence of quantitative

point, one of the first steps we can take is to have a general awareness of the pervasive nature of both types of error in judgement.

References Kahneman, D., Sibony, O., & Sunstein, C.R. (2021).

Noise: a flaw in human judgement. First edition.

New York: Little, Brown Spark.

December '21 Table of contents

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Alex Smith Damian Lee Jacques Jooste Kevin Seeger Melissa Bywater Melissa Carmody Nikolaos Harisis Paul Flood Abe Lau Ashan (Ash) Naumann Kathleen Du Paul Felvus Rebecca Cave Sovan Dey Alexander Johnson Alta-Mari van Huyssteen Aron Smit Ashleigh Clare Asraf Saraidin Bradley McIntyre Brett Cole Caroline Higgins Caroline Nicholls Catherine Nixon Celeste de Mezieres Charles Bodas Cherie Carter Chloe Chambers Christopher Hart Coen Mackay Conor Johnston Dale Matthews Daniel Morgan David Stathoulis Dhesseken N Letchumanan Donna Jamieson Effi Liden Elisa Richards Erin Smith Gabrielle Free Gareth Halliday Gemma Shingleton Geraldine Supramaniam Gisela Figura

Full Member Full Member Full Member Full Member Full Member Full Member Full Member Full Member

Provisional Member Provisional Member Provisional Member Provisional Member Provisional Member Provisional Member

Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member

Isimel Maramun Jake Zakely Janine Lees Jennypher Sorbier Jeremy Newman Jill Byatt Jim Gladstone Jo Lyall Joseph Zappavigna Kara Walker Kate Atkinson Katie Wentworth Kerrie Payne Kim Cunningham Kimi Ahluwalia Malcolm Clift Mark Cossins Matt Pomeroy Melanie Ketchen Michael Clarke Michael Dubos Molly Tolan Natalie Borellini Natasha Beattie Paul Baguley Philip Clifton Philip Tisdall Rick Molloy Robert Sharp Rosalie Free Saurabh Bhausaheb Aher Sonny Sarajevo Steven Nikolovski Stuart Green Tanja Stuart Trent Baines Virginia Kehoe William Baker Zheng Liu

Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member Associate Member

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Abrar Khadawurdi Gemma Burdon Joshua Barrett Kanishma Vasudevan Mathew Dean Matthew Hall

Student Member Student Member Student Member Student Member Student Member Student Member

December '21 Table of contents

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Ash Boss, Senior Occupational Hygienist Ash Boss is a provisional member of the AIOH who joined the institute in 2019 as an associate member.

Currently working as a Senior Occupational Hygienist at Tetra Tech Coffey, Ash is a businesswoman who is passionate about building relationships to facilitate effective communication of Occupational Hygiene concepts and objectives.

Ash’s career thus far has focused on occupational hygiene consulting in various industry sectors, such as mining, manufacturing, construction and civil infrastructure projects.

Ash also joined the AIOH Communications and Marketing Committee in early 2021, and recently commenced the role of Co-Chair of the Committee.

“My involvement in the institute has been instrumental in my development as a hygienist.

This organisation provides a forum for likeminded individuals to connect and share knowledge for the betterment of the industry. Not only have I met some incredible minds and great mentors through the institute, but I have also made life-long friends.”

Currently completing a Master of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology at Edith Cowan University, Occupational Hygiene wasn’t the obvious career choice following completion of her undergraduate studies.

“Like most hygienists, my entry into the profession wasn’t inherently obvious. When I completed my Bachelor of Environmental Forensics degree, I attended a networking session where I met an environmental manager at my previous workplace. We got chatting and he mentioned that while there wasn’t any availability to hire environmental graduates, I should apply for the Occupational Hygiene graduate position. After some internet searching, I discovered what a hygienist was and the rest is history! I am clearly biased, but I believe that we as hygienists play an integral role in all workplaces, and we have such a valuable opportunity to impact the lives of those around us in a tangible way. That is why I believe so strongly in promoting the field of Occupational Hygiene and the fantastic work that hygienists do.

There’s not a great deal of professions that are so dedicated to protecting human life, so I believe that the work of hygienists should be promoted so that we can better serve those who are in most need of our help.”

Following graduation of the Master’s program, Ash’s aim is to hone her technical skills to pursue the AIOH career pathway of full membership and certification as a Certified Occupational Hygienist.

December '21 Table of contents

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Professional Development & Education (PD&E) Committee Purpose: To assist the AIOH Executive and Council in meeting the needs of its members and the broader community of occupational hygiene professionals for education and continuing professional development.

Much has been achieved this year, in spite of Covid.

The Basic Principles Course (BPC) is now available in an OHTA approved hybrid form, and some 7 courses were run throughout Australia – Perth, Brisbane, Sydney. Over 100 students attended the courses.

Eight webinars were delivered on various topics ranging from ventilation in the Covid era, Welding fumes, Respirable Silica and many more. One master class was delivered on Real time Dust Monitoring

A new project has started to develop AIOH question bank for on-line delivery of the Basic Principles Course exam by AIOH. The Professional Development Pathways Project was developed in conjunction with the AIOH Communications & Marketing Committee and has been finalized. It is planned to launch this at the AIOH 2022 Conference.

I would like to thank the committee Kelly Johnstone, Sue Reed, Adelle Liebenberg, Ken Osakwe, Jane Whitelaw, Tegan Dixon, Ritesh Patel, and in particular Baeu Medina who made it all happen

Noel Tresider Chair

December '21 Table of contents

A DOSE OF RESEARCH Toxicology Letters Quantiitative skin exposure assessment of metals: A case study by Naylor et al – featuring AIOH member Carmen Naylor

Outbreak of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease among Workers at a Norwegian Shipyard by Danielsen

This article provides guidance into the quantitative risk assessment of skin exposures to metals. The use of wipe sampling methodologies has been shown to be standardised and effective for skin exposure assessment to metals. However, there is a lack of

Although exposure to metal fumes is known to increase the risk of pneumococcal disease, published outbreaks has been quite rare. However, during nine weeks in 2019, 20 confirmed and probable cases of disease were identified among 1.900 shipyard workers at one shipyard in Norway. The local hospitals initially

guidance documents and frameworks available to evaluate the level of health risk to workers from skin exposures to metals. Monitoring of workplace exposures typically focuses on the assessment of

detected the outbreak. The affected workers were of different European nationalities, most of them employed by different subcontractors. Sixteen were hospitalized. Isolates were available for serotyping for

respiratory exposures. To provide a safe workplace there is a need to ensure all routes of exposure are risk assessed and controlled. The goal of this article was

17 cases, all isolates belonged to serotype 4. The same strain was found in a similar outbreak in Northern Ireland in 2015. Onsite inspection found a

to develop skin (surface) exposure limits to metals, using the construction industry as a test environment, to quantitatively assess worker health risk of skin exposures to metals. This research concluded it was not feasible to establish single quantitative skin

crowded shipyard in the process of finishing a new cruise ship. Many tasks were carried out in the same workspace; like welding, cutting, painting, and finishing on surfaces. The labour inspectorate ordered immediate occupational hygiene measures with short

exposure limits to metals due to the many assumptions surrounding dermal exposures. A range

notification. Regulations on tobacco smoking, air quality improvements, and the use of personal

of acceptable exposure limits are presented.

Applications of the Photoionization Detector (PID) in Occupational Hygiene. Estimation of Air Changes per Hour in Premises with Natural Ventilation by MaesoGarcia et al

protective equipment were all implemented. There were also given advice on measures for improving general hygiene at the yard. The National Institute of Public Health recommended vaccination for the involved workers. Around 1.500 of the 1.900 workers present at the shipyard were vaccinated by the

The importance of ventilation in closed workplaces increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New methodologies for measuring the number of air changes per hour (ACH) in a premise where natural ventilation is applied are necessary. It is demonstrated how the ionic photoionization detector (PID) can be employed for tracer gas decay methodology using a

shipyard’s occupational health services. After onsite occupational hygiene measures and vaccination, no new cases were identified. There are published information on a similar outbreak in Finland later the same year, and also in France early in 2020. This outbreak indicates that the occupational risk of severe pneumococcal disease is multifactorial, and that metal fume exposure not only is limited to the

volatile organic solvent (acetone). The methodology applied to calculate ACH in a naturally ventilated room, with various combinations of door and window openings, provides ACH values of between 2 and 17 h−1. Two classrooms were studied to verify if the minimum ventilation requirements recommended by official guidelines were met. The values for ACH on

occupational category welders. In Norway, vaccination with the pneumococcal is recommended for welders after risk assessment.

Recommendation of pneumococcal vaccination to broader occupational groups exposed to metal fumes should be considered, and the working and living conditions.

different days varied, mainly between 15 and 35 h−1, with some exceptional values higher than 40 h−1 on very windy days. These results agree with the quality air data recorded by the installed CO2 sensors, ensuring adequate hygienic conditions for the users of the rooms. The fast response of the PID allows the measurement of different locations in the room during the same assay, which provides additional information regarding the air distribution inside during the ventilation process. This methodology is fast and easy, and the necessary equipment is simple to obtain and use routinely, whether it is needed to measure several rooms or to monitor one room periodically.

Fatality risk management: Applying Quinlan’s Ten Pathways in Western Australia’s mining industry

Comparing conventional and real time sampling techniques

Tanya Jenke, Jessica L. Boylan, Shelley Beatty, Martin Ralph, Andrew Chaplyn, Greg Penney, Marcus Cattani

The rapid development of low cost sensors and real time devices to measure particulates, VOC’s and other airborne contaminants has overtaken international

http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105494 In ‘Ten Pathways to Death and Disaster’ Professor Michael Quinlan (2014) identified a series of ten common catastrophic incident risk factors, known as the Ten Pathways, contributing to major incidents in mining and other high hazard industries. This study

and national standards and guidelines on measuring worker exposure.

The recent “AIOH Real-time monitoring masterclass” hosted by Candice Dix and Luke Ripper was well attended and demonstrated that many Occupational Hygienists are developing inhouse processes and using the new technology to assist their understanding of worker exposure.

applies the Quinlan methodology in two separate phases. The first phase of the study explored employee perception of employer effectiveness of fatality prevention against each of the Ten Pathways through a questionnaire of n = 2009 participants at the 2017–2019 Western Australian Government Mines Safety Roadshows. Respondents generally perceived

A global research project being led by Dr Steven Verpaele from the Nickel Institute in Belgium to compare conventional and real time sampling techniques has come to Australia. The project uses a rotating carousel approximately 1 metre in diameter and standing 1.5 metres tall, with 12 sampler

their employer as having a relatively good understanding of the role of risk assessments and their importance in preventing injuries yet perceived their employers as generally ineffective in management system auditing. In the second phase of the study, 71 fatality reports on the Western Australian Government Department of Mines Fatalities register

positions. The carousel enables 12 samples to be simultaneously collected/measured, and will be equipped with a variety of conventional pump/sample head configurations, and, real time monitoring devices. Comparison of the data from each sampling technique aims to inform the exposure measurement community of the performance of real-time

were assessed to identify the Ten Pathways involved in the fatality. The analysis identified fatalities

measurements compared to conventional measurements, with a variety of potential benefits to

typically included four or five of the Ten Pathways, although none of the investigations analysed all Ten Pathways. A combined assessment of employee perceptions of employer’s effectiveness at fatality prevention and pathways present in the Mines Fatalities register identified which Quinlan Ten Pathways mining organisations should prioritise for fatality prevention. It is recommended that benchmarking safety performance, incident investigations, and reviews of effectiveness of safety management systems include an examination and verification of the organisation’s response to Ten Pathways, a relatively straight forward task which may highlight latent issues or weaknesses that may otherwise remain undetected.

the review of exposure standards, exposure assessment guidelines, and the development measurement devices.

A recent ECU study on Fatality Prevention in the Mining industry identifies 4 common elements that were regularly associated with mining deaths in WA:

The first phase of the project in Australia, starting in early 2022, will be conducted on West Australian iron ore mine sites, resulting in 100’s of samples and many hours of real time data. Analysis and interpretation of the results, leading to journal papers and reports will be conducted collectively by subject matter experts. At a later stage, it is intended that the data will be made available to other interested parties.

The expression of interest response from AIOH members, industry and research community has been excellent, and remains open for organisations and individuals who would like to contribute their time, monitoring or analysis equipment, host the carousel at their facility, or sponsor the project.

To read more on this study published in Safety Science Journal click here: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0925753 521003374

Dr Marcus Cattani from Edith Cowan University is managing the project in Australia and commented “We are running this project as a collaborative effort, with people from around Australian industry, consulting, universities, government and service providers taking part. This project also has plenty of scope for PhD or Masters researchers. We already have some generous sponsorship to pay for some of the costs from Rio Tinto via Andy McCarthy and David Lowry, and FMG via Benjamin Walsh, and we are getting close to announcing several others. Please contact me if you want to know more.”

Interested in contributing to on-going research on the impact of COVID on safety performance?

Complete this 3 min survey:

Dr Marcus Cattani can be contacted on (08) 6304 2346 or email m.cattani@ecu.edu.au

Flaws in design, engineering or maintenance Failures in safety management systems Failures in auditing Poor management - worker communication and trust

Occupational radiation exposure and cancer incidence in a cohort of diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea Won Jin Lee ,Seulki Ko, Ye Jin Bang, Seung-Ah Choe, Yeongchull Choi, Dale L Preston.

Previous studies have reported findings on health effects associated with protracted low-dose radiation exposures among medical radiation workers. However, the increased risks were mainly limited in the early period of workers who had prolonged exposure at high doses of radiation. There has been a rapid increase in the number of medical radiation workers with changes in their working environments, such as increasing implementation of new imaging techniques and radiation protection measures. The study explored how diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea showed differences in cancer incidence compared with the general population depending on sex and cancer site. The study’s findings contribute to a better knowledge of the health effects of low-dose chronic radiation exposures from a recently constructed cohort of medical radiation workers. The authors discuss that more efforts to implement radiation protective measures should continue to minimise the potential health risks among medical radiation workers.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand-Arm Vibration: A Swedish National Registry Case-Control Study Vihlborg, Per MD; Pettersson, Hans PhD; Makdoumi, Karim PhD; Wikström, Sverre PhD; Bryngelsson, IngLiss BSc; Selander, Jenny; Graff, Pål Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a global work-related exposure that can cause different injuries. Vibration white fingers (Raynaud’s phenomena caused by HAV exposure) and vibration neuropathy are well-known symptoms of HAV. HAV exposure is also associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study investigates the increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in men and women with hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure. The study found that exposure to HAV increased the risk of CTS in men and women, with the highest risk recorded for men under 30 years of age. These results are in line with earlier studies and show that assessment with a job exposure matrix is adequate. This approach can be used to further attempt to distinguish between ergonomic factors and HAV for CTS. The results also show the importance of investigating HAV exposure among CTS patients.

Cancer incidence and mortality in the USA Astronaut Corps, 1959–2017 Robert Reynolds, Mark P Little, Steven Day, Jacqueline Charvat, Steven Blattnig, Janice Huff, Zarana S Patel Cancer incidence and mortality are important outcomes in the surveillance of long-term astronaut health. This study aims to compare cancer incidence rates, cancer-specific mortality rates, and cancer casefatality ratios in US astronauts with those in the US general population. Overall cancer incidence and mortality were slightly lower than expected from national rates, with a modest 14% reduction in casefatality ratio. Prostate cancer and melanoma skin cancer had significant increases in incidence though only melanoma had a significant increase in mortality.

Lung cancer had a significant deficit of both cases and deaths, while colon cancer had sizeable (but not significant) reductions in incidence and mortality. The increase in incidence of melanoma is consistent with that observed in aircraft pilots, suggesting this may be associated with ultraviolet radiation or lifestyle factors rather than any astronaut-specific exposure.

Reductions in lung cancer incidence and mortality, and trends towards such reductions in colon cancer, may be explained in part by healthy lifestyle, as well as differential screening among astronauts.

December '21 Table of contents

RESP-FIT® Beard Cover Technique Position Statement RESP-FIT is aware of a recent adoption of a beard covering technique being used in fit testing tight fitting respirators, particularly in Healthcare. This technique, known at the Thatta singh* involves the use of an exercise resistance band wrapped around a wearers chin/beard and tied up behind the head to create a smoother surface over the beard or facial hair aiming for a better sealing surface area. Disposable balaclavas have also been used in this way to try and improve the tight fitting seal.

All international standards including AS/NZS 1715:2009, ISO 16975-3, OSHA 1910.134 and others clearly state that there should be no facial hair on a wearers’ face underneath a tight-fitting respirator sealing surface area. Facial hair prevents an adequate seal being achieved and the level of protection is neither reliable nor predictable.

RESP-FIT does NOT recommend the use of this technique for the following reasons: There is limited evidence in these published studies that provides assurance that a good seal to the face is achieved and maintained or that the seal and protection is predictable, reliable and that the wearer is therefore adequately protected; The technique itself contravenes (ISO 16975 3:2017 Respiratory protective devices - Selection, use and maintenance), where in Part 3: Fit-testing procedures’ it states: “6.3.2 Foreign material - A fit test shall not be conducted if there is any foreign material or substance between the sealing surface of the respiratory interface and the face or neck”; The criteria for evaluating fit test methods given in ISO 16975-3 Annex C7 and OSHA 1910.134 references American National Standards Institute ANSI Z88 on Fit Testing. RESP-FIT is not aware of any evidence that this new fit testing method was evaluated against the ANSI Z88 criteria;

It is contrary to respirator manufacturers user instructions, relating to the integrity of the fit. This in turn, may invalidate any approvals (NIOSH, CE, AS/NZS 1716) for the respirator used with; and There are alternative forms of RPE, such a loose fitting headtops connected to a PAPR that do not rely on a tight fit to the face. These are available in the market for those with facial hair or beards.

The National Institute of Safety & Health (NIOSH) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) UK also do not recommend adoption of this practice.

RESP-FIT is not in principle opposed to considering any proposal which may provide an effective working solution; however, the science and evidence currently available do not support that this method can deliver the required level of assurance.

For the reasons given above, use of the beard covering technique with tight fitting respirators, would not demonstrate duty of care as required by WHS/OHS regulations, in that exposure to a substance hazardous to health adequately controlled.

will

not

have

been

RESP-FIT does recognise and sympathise with the deep religious and cultural significances involved.

However, RESP-FITs’ concern is based on the fact that respiratory protective equipment (RPE) needs to be adequate and suitable in order to protect the wearer from the inhalation of substances hazardous to health (including SARS-CoV-2).

If you have any questions, please contact RESP-FIT via email on respfit@aioh.org.au

*Singh R, Safri HS, Singh S, Ubhi BS, Singh G, Alg GS, Randhawa G, Gill S. Under-mask beard cover (Singh Thattha technique) for donning respirator masks in COVID-19 patient care. J Hosp Infect. 2020 Dec;106(4):782-785. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.09.034. Epub 2020 Oct 3

December '21 Table of contents

ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES The University of Wollongong | RMIT University | Edith Cowan University

The University of Wollongong: Be bright, be early.

By Academic Program Director: Jane Whitelaw, CIH®, COH®, FAIOH

Our courses integrate practical hands-on time and networking with practising COHs to focus Occupational Hygiene techniques and apply skills and knowledge to a broad range of workplace issues. Our support and networking is legendary.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for domestic students, making your studies very affordable; eg a Graduate Certificate costs as little as $4,000 in fees.

As 2021 draws to a close, some of you, like me, may be feeling glad that this challenging year is over. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how our greatest achievements can often be in the times of the

So, why choose us?

greatest adversity. One example is the significant impact our incoming President and proud UOW Alumni, Kate Cole, has made both in her day job

UOW is a leader in postgraduate learner engagement and skills development (ranked No.1 in The Good Universities Guide 2021). But don’t just take our word for it; here’s what current students said:

controlling RCS exposures on megaprojects like Sydney Metro and in tirelessly campaigning for adequare control against COVID-19. She is featured in this years UOW Outlook as a Superwoman of STEM and you can read the whole article here. Leading in a

“Without the knowledge, skills and support provided by the OHS academic program I would not be in the profession I am today or awarded opportunities such as 2019 Drager Australia Young Hygienist. The

changing world, Kate has, in her own words, been

supervisors and academic staff are 100/10!”

“Contributing to public debate and ensuring scientists’ voices are heard and that we’re not blindly following national guidance where it is deficient has brought significant sector-wide improvements.”

UOW

has

delivered

robust,

nationally

and

internationally accredited and innovative Occupational Hygiene courses for over 12 years; producing awardwinning professional Occupational Hygienists, with many, like Kate, who are leaders in their field.

Enrolments for 2022 are now open, so apply now for the dual accredited Master of Occupational Hygiene or choose to get started with a Graduate Certificate in Occupational Hygiene. https://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/information/index.ht ml?course=master-occupational-hygiene

Carmen Naylor ANSTO, NSW

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the Masters of Occupational Hygiene and my experience at UOW. The course and units were well structured and organised. I most enjoyed the block weeks, as they provided hands on practical experience and networking opportunities with people outside of my state…..the course has taught me the ‘why’. It has provided context and a deeper understanding to why we do things the way we do them. I feel more technically competent”.

Kirsty Bouskill Chevron, WA

“What I most enjoyed about the course was the knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers that were passionate about their subject and were clearly highly experienced and well respected in industry. I found the lecturers always accessible and enjoyed all of the on site block weeks which were invaluable in developing practical skills, networking opportunities and ongoing support and relationships with my fellow students”.

Gavin Roberts Qld Govt

Contact Jane Whitelaw for more information jane_whitelaw@uow.edu.au

“Just do it!”

Ryan Collins Hypex, NSW

RMIT University – Master of Occupational Health & Safety: Occupational Hygiene

The Master of Occupational Health & Safety (major in Occupational Hygiene) program at RMIT university is an accredited program, uniquely designed to furnish students with comprehensive and contemporary knowledge, skill and applicatory exposures in

The 2021 student award night at the School of Property and Construction and Project Management (PCPM) at RMIT witnessed array of awards worn by the Occupational Hygiene students including award of the highest GPA at the postgraduate diploma and

Occupational hygiene. Ironically, 2021 has been a hugely successful year for students enrolled in the program.

master’s levels by Built and Corplex.

There was a display of skill and intellect at the project presentation night as student present their projects and proposed change management in various research topics including Respirable Crystalline Silica in Stonemasonry, Occupational Noise Exposure in Metalliferous Mine, VOC Exposure in a Pesticide Plant, Crystalline Silica in a Stone Masonry and Indoor Assessment of Workers Exposure to Ozone. At RMIT, you will be amply trained on how to undertake Occupational Hygiene project and make impactful change management in workplaces.

Contact Dr. Ken Osakwe MAIOH, COH, MBA, PhD, FRSPH, FIIRSM Program Manager, Master of OH&S program, RMIT university, School of PCPM E-mail - Kennedy.osakwe@rmit.edu.au Phone - 0421622248

News from Edith Cowan University We are happy to announce that in early November 2021, two of our PhD candidates were awarded their PhDs: Dr Edmore Masaka (MAIOH) was awarded his PhD for his thesis titled “An assessment of health hazards associated with the use of water mist systems as a cooling intervention in Australia”. Many AIOH members got to hear about this work in the AIOH Webinar on the 5th November titled “Has the mist been peered through - The health risks of using water mist systems”.

During that last few months, ECU staff continue to be busy with their own and their student’s research, and have published a number of papers many which are available through open access journals, they include:

Another Phd candidate, Dr Kim McClean, also completed her studies in November with her thesis titled “Does Accurate Data, Identifying Obese Patients Impact Nurse Safety and Hospital Finances?”.

Jenke, T., Boylan, J., Beatty, S., Ralph, M., Chaplyn, A., Penney, G., Cattani, M. (2021). Fatality risk management: Applying Quinlan's Ten Pathways in Western Australia’s mining industry. Safety Science, 146(Feb 2022), Article number 105494. Link Maisey, G., Cattani, M., Devine, A., Lo, J., Fu, SC., Dunican, I. (2021). Digging for data: How sleep is losing out to roster design, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors. Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 99(Feb 2022), Article number 103617. Link McClean, K., Cross, M., & Reed, S. (2021). An audit of obesity data and concordance with diagnostic coding for patients admitted to Western Australian country health service hospitals. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 38(1), 45– 52. Link Nunfam, VF., Afrifa-Yamoah, E., Adusei-Asante, K. Van Etten, EJ., Frimpong, K., Mensah, IA., Oosthuizen, J. (2021).

Construct validity and invariance assessment of the social impacts of occupational heat stress scale (SIOHSS) among Ghanaian mining workers. Science of the Total Environment 771 (2021) 144911. Link Penney, G., Ridge, S., Cattani, M. (2021). Enhancing fire service incident investigation – translating findings into improved outcomes using PIAM. Safety Science, 145(Jan 2022), Article number 105488. Link

More information about studying occupational hygiene at ECU can be found at: www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/study-areas/medical-and-health-sciences/occupational-hygiene-and-toxicology or by contacting A/Prof Sue Reed (E: s.reed@ecu.edu.au; P 08 6304 2243) If you are interested in studying OHS then visit: www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/study-areas/medical-and-health-sciences/occupational-health-and-safety or contact Dr Edmore Masaka (E: e.masaka@ecu.edu.au; P: 08 6304 5517)

What Will You Study?

Masters Stage (core courses)

Graduate Diploma Stage

Graduate Certificate Stage

Assessment & Controls of Physical and Biological Hazards

Occupational Hazards and Control

Human Factors & Occupational Ergonomics

Monitoring & Control of Workplace Contaminants Occupational Hygiene Project Toxicology & Epidemiology

The Psychosocial Work Environment Work Health & Safety and the Organisation Work Health & Safety Intervention Project

Principles and Practice of Work Health and Safety Work Health and Safety Legal Systems Critical thinking and Decision Making

December '21 Table of contents

AIOH EVENTS Well, what a year 2021 has been in the events space!

While it has presented challenges, it has also shown how flexible and resilient venues, event professionals, and attendees can be. While I hope that 2022 will be less chaotic, I am also now prepared for the lessons I have learned from the last two years. Thanks to all members, council, and committees for their agility and patience. COVID19 is an unpredictable situation requiring a different response than standard years for events. I appreciate everyone who stayed positive, offered solutions, and was open to change during this time.

Annual Scientific Conference The annual scientific conference is well and truly back on track! With registration sales coming in daily, weekly conference announcements, certainly moving in the right direction.

things

are

We have a stellar line-up of speakers if you have not seen them by now. These include Norman Swan, chatting about all things Covid related in the new world, Professor Lidia Morawska who was named one of Times most influential people of 2021, and Matthew Johnston, who speaks candidly around mental health at this crucial time in history. These are just to name a few. Check out our conference page for more information.

For Continuing Education Sessions, we are selling out quickly. If you're thinking about participating in a Continuing Education Session, I suggest you jump online and book now to ensure you don't miss out.

The AIOH Annual Conference offers delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors opportunities to network, gain knowledge and insight, as well as let your hair down at the function nights. If you are sitting on the fence about registering, we offer a complete 100% refundable registration to cover unpredictable situations that could arise during a pandemic. Spaces are limited, so book now!

Basic Principles Since March this year, we have run seven hybrid BPC courses and, a total of 87 students have attended the Basic Principles Course through the AIOH. We now have opening spaces for 2022 courses in Melbourne and Sydney. We are looking to release new course dates early next year, including Brisbane and Perth.

The Basic Principles Course will be going back to its original face-to-face learning format. This will give both the students and the teachers the maximum opportunity to communicate theory and practical in one environment for an overall better learning experience. Please keep your eyes peeled for the new date releases. It will also be shared through member communication emails.

Webinars and State Chapter Meetings We have our last state chapter meet up QLD in December, which registration is still open. So please jump into our site to purchase these if you're interested in attending.

I have personally managed 10 webinars this year and the last being our most significant collaboration to date - Sampling Asbestos – the good, the bad, the ugly. We teamed up with the Australian Government Asbestos eradication agency, AHCA, NATA, FAMANZ. We had over 822 registrants and approximately 510 new people registered outside of the association for this webinar. We have now set a new benchmark for 2022 and hope to have many more collaborations.

I would like to sign off 2021 thanking the following people: Sharann Johnson, the AIOH Business Manager and office staff who provide continued support, the 2021 council, notably Ross Di Corleto, the president who was all hands-on deck in this challenging year, Kate Cole, the 2022 President and council members, I look forward to working with them all, the 2021 conference committee who have battled through this year and persevered and continue to shine, the newly formed 2021 Communications Committee, may we continue to think up more crazy ideas for 2022 that we can implement for the foreseeable future, and of course, our valued members who are what makes the AIOH all that it is!

Baeu Medina Conference and Event Manager

I wish you a wonderful festive season and a happy new year and look forward to updating you all in 2022.

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VALE ERIC KOKOSCHKO

We are saddened to hear the recent passing of Eric Kokoschko. Eric was well known and friends with many of our members as a regular attendee at the AIOH Conferences.

Eric worked in the Customs Department and then established his consultancy business, KEMM Environmental, in asbestos based in South Australia.

Eric will be sadly missed.

December '21 Table of contents

AIOH FOUNDATION UPDATE Cancer Council Silica Project

In October 2021, the AIOH Foundation received the report from the WA Cancer Council on the outcome of their grant, and the Foundation would like to share some highlights with AIOH members.

The Cancer Council’s KNOW Workplace Cancer team received a grant from the AIOH Foundation to execute a campaign aimed at improving awareness of the harms of silica dust exposure and improving knowledge of the measures that can reduce the risks associated with exposure to silica dust. Market research by the National Dust Disease Taskforce and

The Cancer Council developed several information products and delivered them through paid social media, organic social media, guerrilla style marketing associated with job advertisements for tradies, and other media activity. The reach (unique viewers) of media activity was 5,000 and the reach of the paid social activity was 246,632. There were over 50,000 views of the video and 360,000 opportunities to see the material on organic social media. Additionally, the resources were highlighted by other publications including Safety Solutions, Safety Alert and OHS Alert.

The resources are online here if you would like to

Safe Work Australia highlighted that tradespeople predominantly receive their information via news and

check them out or share them.

social media platforms.

The campaign aimed to increase general awareness of the health risks of silica dust, and educate workers in the artificial stone industry about the need to control

This project was strongly aligned with the Foundation’s purpose of promoting the principles of occupational hygiene in the prevention and control of occupational diseases in Australia, in this case through development and dissemination of

dust. A number of specific target audiences were identified, from workers handling artificial stone

educational materials. The Foundation congratulates the Cancer Council on the success of the project and

through to small business owners and associated trades.

the likely impact on the silica awareness of those who have viewed the materials.

Board update

Support

In November, the AIOH Foundation held its Annual General Meeting and farewelled Andrew Bennett and

If you would like to support the Foundation’s work in the prevention of occupational disease, you can make

Philip Hibbs from the Board. Andrew is the outgoing Chair, and both he and Philip have made outstanding contributions to the Foundation over the last three

a tax deductible donation here, or email info@aiohfoundation.org.au to discuss corporate sponsorship. Thanks to all those who have

years, stewarding the Foundation to become the effective charity it now is. We look forward to providing a further update on the Board on our News page and in the next Filter update.

donated in recent months, and have a safe and happy festive season.

December '21 Table of contents

INDUSTRY & NEWS LEGISLATIVE Resources Safety and Health Queensland published their Baseline Review of Occupational Health Risks Report in September 2021.

New Work Health and Safety Legislation in WA: Top hints and tips

Questions like…How can I avoid this? It’s going to be expensive! There’s a skills shortage! Do I have to change? We have never had an injury!

Here are some reflections from the recent AIM WA Breakfast events which I hope assists you to prepare for the new legislation that will be implemented in WA next year!

The bottom line is that the legislation aims to prevent people from being killed and injured at work. Please don’t lose sight of this! There are still over 100,000

Legislation: where is it?

serious injuries per year, and no one thinks it’s going to happen in their workplace. All workplaces need to be proactive!

The new WHS legislation comprises the Work Health and Safety Act (2020) which is about 300 pages, and three sets of Regulations which have not been released yet. The Regulations will be for General Workplaces, Mining, and Petroleum and Geothermal Energy operations. The WHS Act and Regulations will be implemented from January 2022.

Since one of the aims is for WA to ‘harmonise’ with the other States and Territories' WHS legislation, the basis of the new Regulations is well known and available here.

Penalties: Prison time…really?

In 2018 the Government passed legislation to increase the penalties associated with breaches to the safety legislation (i.e., before the new legislation is passed).

In effect this means that if you are found guilty of a

The legislation provides some minimum standards which have been shown through experience to contribute to preventing death and injuries in workplaces, and the links in this article and on the DMIRS website will help.

Complying with the legislation is mandatory, and a good thing to do!

Section 26A: WHS Service providers If you need some help, please make sure you find a competent employee or service provider (i.e. you tell the candidate what you need, and ask them to show you their qualifications, skills and experience to do it).

There is a new duty for consultants to ensure their services do not put at risk the health and safety of

breach of the current legislation, and the incident occurred after October 2018, you will be subject to the increased penalties.

persons who are at the workplace. You can find competent people from the professional institutes such as the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, and the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.

The Minister says in his media release that these increased penalties aim to act as an incentive for people to look at their health and safety. If you are not

Mental health is a workplace issue too

aware of your health and safety obligations, these penalties should certainly prompt you to do so!

Company Officers: due diligence The leaders of the organisation are accountable for what happens in the organisation, including health and safety! There is a simple term “due diligence”, which starts the process of defining the organisation’s approach. In brief, the Company Officers (i.e., people in control of the organisation and its finances) must make sure that their organisation develops and implements a risk-based approach to protect their workers, and very importantly verify it is effective (i.e., you must not just buy a safety management system and put it on the shelf: You must make sure it actually manages risk to an acceptable level as well.

Mental stress is responsible for about 8% of serious claims. WHS laws make it clear that ‘health’ means both physical and psychological health, which means if you run a business you need to manage risks to both. What does this mean and how do you do it?

Check out the DMIRS mentally healthy workplaces page to get started.

When an organisation isn’t a PCBU Organisations with no paid workers (i.e. all volunteers) are outside the WHS laws, although you can still choose to follow the guidance to look after your volunteers.

Why are some Volunteers classed as Workers, and some aren’t

Design and implement a Safety Management System

Organisations with some employees and some volunteers are within the jurisdiction of WHS laws and

It appears that Mining Organisations will be required

risk based framework defined by the International Standard 45001 and adopted in Australia.

there are duties to manage risks to the employees and volunteers (also defined as workers in this situation).

Organisations with no employees (defined as a "volunteer association" under the WHS Act) are outside the jurisdiction of WHS laws.

Whilst this is mandated for mining organisations, it is suggested that non-mining organisations also develop

If a volunteer organisation is not a PCBU under the WHS Act, a volunteer officer will not be an "officer" for

and implement a safety management system, as it provides a comprehensive approach to work health and safety, including compliance with the legislation.

The WA Government have a well developed safety management system called the WorkSafe Plan.

the purposes of the WHS Act and cannot be prosecuted for failing to comply with the duties imposed on officers under the WHS Act. This immunity for volunteer officers is designed to ensure that voluntary participation at the officer level in a volunteer association is not discouraged. However, if a volunteer works for or is an officer of a PCBU (that

under their Regulations to implement a mine safety management system. This system is based on the

Critical risks first We mentioned that the legislation requires a risk-based approach. This means that you work out your priorities for action and address the most important things first. In work health and safety, the most important things are those which can cause death to the workers. We call them “critical risks”. If you have a look at national statistics you can see that there are some common types of critical risks. Another really good starting place is the Safe Work Australia (2011) “How to manage work health and safety risks”. It’s an oldie but a goodie!

ECU is doing some research about critical risks and there is a paper here (Free) and a critical risk questionnaire here! Have a look!

You can take part here:

Don’t forget the “3 C’s” The new legislation is quite clear that the leadership team are accountable. But it is also clear that the way to create a safe workplace is to involve and consult with all workers. Everyone must be involved: leaders and workers. One way to involve everyone is called the 3C’s or “Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination” and there is a Code of Practice (i.e. treat it as a minimum standard) to give you lots of ideas about what you can do!

includes volunteer organisations if they employ staff), the volunteer can be prosecuted in their capacity as an officer and/or a worker if they do not meet their obligations under the WHS Act. Find out more here.

Insurance and indemnities against fines?

Not anymore!

It's also important to note that under the WHS Act, insurance policies and indemnities in agreements that insure or indemnify businesses against fines imposed under the Act will not only be null and void, but also unlawful. So, now would be a good time to review insurance policies and commercial agreements to see what changes may need to be made.

Coinciding with the launch of the new Work Health and Safety legislation in early 2022, ECU have designed a risk management program comprising targeted learning materials, at 5 organisational levels, which can be delivered in the classroom by a presenter, or, self-paced on-line via our Canvas learning management system. These courses are designed to educate specific workers and duty holders in their risk management duties, for example to encourage worker consultation in Health and Safety Committees, the Statutory Appointments in the Mines Regulations, and Company Officers in their requirements for verification of risk management effectiveness. Click HERE for more information.

Dr Marcus Cattani Edith Cowan University https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-healthsciences/our-staff/profiles/senior-lecturers/dr-marcuscattani

ISO Working Group for mining: ISO 23875:2021 has a proposed amendment to remove specific references for filter requirements I.e remove all references to ISO 29463 - High efficiency filter media for removing particles from air. The approach is to remove the emphasis on filter classification. The importance is that the cab performance passes the requirements of the standard.

The Working Group has been tasked with developing a new standard for Air quality control systems for operator enclosures - gaseous environments. Draft development has commenced and completion planned for mid 2022.

Please contact Liam Wilson for further information liam.wilsoncah@icloud.com

December '21 Table of contents

BASIC PRINCIPLES COURSE UPDATE

The AIOH Basic Principles Courses have been running with the hybrid format in both Brisbane and Sydney over the last few months. The course format includes 3 days of online theory run by our AIOH facilitators Dr Jen Hines and Linda Apthorpe, directly followed by a 2-day practical session where students get a real feel for the use of a wide range of occupational hygiene sampling equipment and application in real-life scenarios. The students also have a chance to meet some of our valuable supporters who provide equipment and guest speakers from 3M. Thanks to Peter Aspinall and Luke Ripper for running the practicals in Brisbane, and Jen and Linda ran the Sydney practicals. Linda and Jen are enjoying the diversity of workplace backgrounds and experiences the students bring with them. The Basic Principles course is applicable for people with little to no knowledge of Occupational Hygiene, those wanting to top up skills, those considering further education, those looking for higher membership levels and those looking to diversify skills just to name a few.

Some exciting news to share is that a promotional video will shortly be available to promote the BPC on our AIOH website and on various social media. You’ll see our facilitators and students in action!

Remember to keep an eye out for 2022 dates with the first course in Melbourne, then another just before the AIOH Conference in March. We hope to be running 5day face to face courses in 2022.

Linda Apthorpe and Jen Hines

December '21 Table of contents

WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STANDARDS – ANOTHER OPINION Feature Article

The proposed WES’s are based “on the adverse effect

On a related issue, I think sampling and analysis error and assessing risk to health should be seen in the context of overall worker exposure. Sampling and analytical or “measurement” errors (excluding bias) are generally small, even trivial, when compared to the variability in the air concentrations a worker is exposed to on a day-to-day basis (Leidel and Busch 1977, Liden and Kenny 1992, Nicas et al 1991 and Rappaport 1991). Rappaport (1991) used equations 1

that occurs at the lowest airborne concentration of the chemical”. The process has been well documented (SWA 2018) and appears similar to the approach of the ACGIH TLVs which are based solely on health

and 2 below, based on the characteristics of the lognormal distribution, to quantify the contribution of analytical or measurement variance to the total variance in worker exposure. These 2 equations allow

factors (ACGIH® 2020). This is in contrast, to say, the

the variance of the normal distribution (equation 2) to be related to the square of the co-efficient of variation of exposure, CVC (equation 1).

The article “Australian WES’s – An Opinion Piece” (The AIOH Filter Magazine, Edition 1), raises some good points concerning the revision of the Safe Work Australia (SWA) workplace exposure standards (WES) and the challenges presented. The points raised were around WES derivation, WES measurability and health hazard management.

US OSHA PELS which must consider technical feasibility, economic cost, and benefit (OSHA 2016).

The revision has seen a significant reduction in the recommended WES for some chemicals, a notable example being the fivefold reduction for respirable crystalline silica to 0.02mg/m3 TWA-8hr . Subsequently

1

CVC =σc /µc

2

σ2L = ln(1+ σ2c /µ2c)

a WES of 0.05mg/m3 TWA-8hr was implemented by most jurisdictions in 2019 and 2020.

With respect to WES measurability, the point was made that although available sampling and analysis practicalities for the recommended draft values were reviewed, measurement was not considered nor influenced

CVc = co-efficient of variation of a series of exposures σc = standard deviation of a series of exposures µc = (arithmetic) mean of a series of exposures σ2L = variance of the normal distribution (of log-transformed concentrations) σ2c = variance of a series of exposures µ2c = square of the mean of a series of exposures

the recommended value in the draft

reports. It does seem problematic having a WES for a substance below its LOQ and it would appear to make clause 50 in the Model WHS Regulation redundant for that substance. In these cases, it might be a better option to not have a WES at all.

Rappaport (1991) provides the following example to show the contribution of an analytical method with a co-efficient of variation (CVA ) of 0.10 (10%), makes to the overall variance of a worker’s exposure with a coefficient of variation of 1 ( CVC = 1 ). Using equation

Figures 1 (CVA = 0.1)

and 2 ( CVA = 0.2)

plots

calculations for GSDs from 1.25 to 3.5 with the y - axis showing the percentage contribution that measurement error makes. Figure 1 shows that in a work environment with a GSD of 2 or more, the

2, σ2L = ln(1+12/12 ) = 0.693 for the overall variance

contribution of a method with a CVA = 0.1 to the

of the worker’s exposure. For the analytical or measurement error; σ2L = ln(1+0.12/0.12 ) = 0.0095.

variance in an overall worker’s exposure is about 3%.

As the GSD approaches 1 the variation in the day-today exposures become negligible, where all the variation does then derive from the sampling and analytical or measurement method. For instance, this is the case when only one sample is taken on a worker

The contribution that analytical or measurement error makes to the overall variance in worker exposure in this example, is 0.0095/(0.0095 + 0.693) = 0.014, or only 1.4%.

Assuming air concentrations are log-normally distributed, the geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) characterise the distribution where the spread of the values is described by the GSD (NIOSH 1977). The following “modelling” exercise was carried out to produce

and the result is taken to be the true estimate of their long-term exposure.

figures 1 and 2 on the right.

The µC and σC of a log-normal distribution can be calculated using the GM and GSD (Rappaport 1991).

Once the µC and σC have been determined, the CVC as in the example above can be calculated followed by the variance (σ2L) for each σC/µC. If the CVA of the

Figure 1

Figure 2

sampling and analytical method is known, the contribution of the variance in the measurement method makes to overall variance in worker exposure can then be calculated, again as in the example above.

Unfortunately, it seems that most workplaces will have a GSD of at least around 2, however a sufficient sample size of at least 30 is required to reliably estimate the GSD and in the absence of sufficient sample size, a default GSD of 2.7 has been recommended (Buringh and Lanting 1991).

The accuracy criteria used by NIOSH contain a requirement that an analytical method give a result within +/- 25% (CVA= 25/1.96 = 12.8%) of the true concentration 95% of the time for an individual observation (NIOSH 1995).

Even where the coefficient of variation for the measurement method is larger the contribution to overall variance is still relatively small. For example, NIOSH method 7602 – Respirable Crystalline Silica (2020) lists the overall sampling and analytical accuracy of the method at 15 µg , as +/- 36% ( CVA = 36/1.96= 18.3%). Figure 2 (CVA = 20%) shows that in a workplace where the GSD of the log-normal distribution of concentrations is 2.7, the contribution measurement error to the overall variance is 8%.

air of

Conclusion The contribution of measurement error to the overall variance in worker exposures’ can be calculated where the co-efficient of variation of the sampling and analytical method is known and the GM and GSD of the exposure distribution is known (otherwise a default value for the GSD could be used). For lognormally distributed air concentrations the contribution measurement error makes to the variance in worker exposure will be relatively insignificant in most cases. Accounting for measurement error is clearly important but should be kept in perspective when assessing worker exposure and risks to health.

Michael Weller COH Disclaimer: the content of this opinion does not represent any position or policy statement of SafeWork NSW.

References American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 2020, TLVs® and BEIs® Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure

Buringh E and Lanting R, 1991 “ Exposure Variability in the Workplace: Its Implications for the Assessment of Compliance” American Industrial

Indices, ACGIH Cincinnati Ohio

Hygiene Association Journal Vol. 52 No.1 pp 6-13

Department of Labor, OSHA 2016 Federal Register Vol 81 No. 58 Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica; Final Rule. 29 CFR Parts 1910,1915 and 1926.

Nicas M, Simmons B and Spear R, 1991 “Environmental Variability Versus Analytical Variability in Exposure Measurements” American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal Vol 52. No.12 pp 553-557.

SafeWork Australia, 2018 WES Review 2018

WES Methodology:

Leidel N, Busch K and Lynch J, 1977 Occupational Exposure Sampling

Recommending health-based workplace exposure standards and notations- SafeWork Australia

Strategy Manual US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, CDC, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Liden G and Kenny LC, 1992 “The Performance of Respirable Dust Samplers: Sampler Bias, Inaccuracy and Precision” Annals of

Kennedy et al, 1995 Guidelines for Air Sampling and Analytical Method Development and Evaluation” US Department of Health and Human

Occupational Hygiene Vol 36 No. 1 pp 1-22, 1992

Services; CDC National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Rappaport SM 1991, “Assessment of Long-Term Exposure to Toxic Substances in Air” Annals of Occupational Hygiene. Vol 35 No.1 pp 61-121

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAN), 2020 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 5th Edition.

December '21 Table of contents

MENTORING UPDATE

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES AIOH COH Mentoring – more and more demand

The AIOH Mentoring Program needs YOU!

Our passion on this committee is to Identify, Match and join mentors and mentees within the AIOH Membership. So, this is growing into a thing with Full members wanting to “get it done” with expert knowledge and assistance from the people that have lived and breathed this – therefore - good things will happen.

Mentoring only takes a few hours each month, yet the positive impact to a mentee’s career is invaluable.

Remember that COH Points are earned by Mentors at a rate of 1CM per year per allocated Mentee.

Awesome Mentoring -related further reading???

BOHS Mentoring – like a boss –

Featured Case Study – Championing women working in health across regional & rural Australia – a new

https://bohs.onpld.com/learn-more and this one! https://www.bohs.org/media-

dual-mentorship model In a nutshell…. “….. a holistic approach to improving career satisfaction, institutional productivity and supporting a diverse workforce in regional or resourcepoor settings.” -

resources/blogs/detail/the-magic-of-mentoring/

Well worth a read

Mentoring

https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/1 0.1186/s12909-020-02219-w.pdf

Mentorship Model 2020

Mentoring in Safety https://www.assp.org/membership/communities/men toring Woman

in

Regional

Australia

AIOH Conference – our Team will see you there.

Looking forward to our usual catch up with conference peoples for a breakfast-style Information and Q&A

For further information and to join please select from the following:

session. See you all there!

Click HERE for further information on the AIOH mentoring program.

Mentoring Team – shout out!

A special thanks to my Ammmmaaaazing Mentoring Committee TEAM – Chair: Jason Green Committee Members: Jason Green, Samantha Forster, Brett Young, Anthony Bamford, Simon Ercole, Milan Patel, Dean Gleeson, Daniela Cisternas, Luke Ripper.

Click HERE for a copy of the slides presented at the 2019 AIOH Mentoring Workshop Jason Green, Chair – AIOH Mentoring Committee Jason.Green@greencap.com.au

Dual

December '21 Table of contents

THE PROJECT MEDIA RELEASE

THE PROJECT SILICA

Shane Wormald is living with the effects of silicosis: early-stage progressive massive fibrosis; and rheumatoid arthritis. He is the first person working within his industry to speak out about what’s happening to experienced tunnellers in Australia.

Speaking with The Project’s Hamish McDonald, AIOH President Kate Cole says that Australia is well behind the UK, USA and other countries in managing the risks of silicosis. The federal government, she says, is waiting for all states and territories to come on board, “but unless we make a change, people will continue to die”.

December '21 Table of contents

HYGIENIST IDEAS PRESENT HELP YOUR FAMILY SLEIGH YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH THESE GIFT SUGGESTIONS

For lovers of science & tea Tea in a test tube

For those that love the science of airborne particles Essays on the Floating matter of the air handbook

For those that like to measure everything to be safe Alcotest® 3820 Personal Breathalyser

Five items that every hygienist will be hoping for this year…

Clothing Ideas… preferably darker colours to hide the coal dust stains..

TROLEX - Real -time RCS results…

It’s a Christmas miracle.

Coming in 2022 - Get a PRE ORDER Gift voucher.

Cloth masks are so 2021...

Smart masks are HOT in 2022.

(AS1716 compliant of cause)

SKC hand-held flowmeters – can leave the bench top & works on any angle What every pump flow rate should be checked with…

And for the newest hygienist in the family…

Periodic Table blocks Build the blocks up high and wait for a “Reaction”…

December '21 Table of contents

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS International Congress on Occupational Health (Virtual) Temporarily Postponed – Dates TBA February 6th – 10th 2022 The 33rd International Congress on Occupational Health 2022 (ICOH 2022) will be held from 6-10 February 2022 in a new digital format.

During this difficult year of pandemic ICOH never stopped its networking activity and also supported the transition to a digital format of many events already scheduled. The ICOH 2022 digital Congress is the natural consequence of the experience acquired during this extraordinary time of global pandemic.

The event is organized directly by ICOH, with the support of the Australian ICOH team.

With the theme “Sharing solutions in occupational health through and beyond the pandemic”, ICOH 2022 will be a forum to share knowledge, discuss best practices and share solutions for better worker health worldwide.

The digital congress will be a high level experience in terms of scientific content and interaction, with networking and engagement opportunities. The congress will be run through a visually rich digital platform recreating the environment of an in-presence congress. The platform will accommodate all sessions and main events that are traditionally included in the ICOH Congress format, and will also feature networking rooms, live chats, exhibition areas, interactive posters, and much more. We believe that the digital format will ensure wider accessibility, giving to the whole OSH community the opportunity to attend. This novelty will be particularly advantageous for participants from low and middle income countries.

The event will include both live streaming and ondemand contents. Participants will have 24/7 ondemand access to all sessions and contents through the Congress digital platform.

The scientific program of ICOH 2022 has been formulated by the active participation of the 37 ICOH Scientific Committees, members of the Board and National Secretaries.

The Keynote Speakers have been selected among the most prominent voices from across the globe coming together to share their experiences and perspectives in their respective fields. Special sessions, oral sessions and interactive posters will provide useful insight into harmonized good occupational health practices.

Registration and call for abstracts will open on 15 June 2021 offering some valuable early bird savings.

Please monitor the Congress website www.icoh2022.net for further updates and information.