Work-related asthma in Australia
The association of respiratory problems in the workplace has been recognised for many centuries. In past times, occupational dust exposure was the main concern leading to fibrosis of the lung. As of recent times, asthma has emerged as one of the most common forms of occupational lung disease.[1]
Work related asthma is a form of asthma that is often under-diagnosed and under-reported in Australia. Work related asthma is a type of asthma that includes both asthma caused by work (work-related asthma) and asthma exacerbated by work (work-exacerbated asthma).
What causes work-related and/or work exacerbated asthma?
Research studies have estimated that up to 25% of adults with asthma have work-related asthma, and 15% of adult-onset asthma may be caused by hazardous occupational exposures.[2]
Over 360 compounds/processes have been described as causes of work-related asthma including diesel fumes, wood dust, flour, isocyanates, latex, animal proteins, metals, adhesives, coffee bean dust, soybean dust, mould, milk powder, egg powder, wheat, mould, dyes, smoke and various chemicals.
At risk occupations
Some of the most high-risk occupations for work-related asthma and/or work-exacerbated asthma include:
Increased awareness and diagnosis
Despite the substantial data about work related asthma in Australia, many patients are not aware that their condition is caused or exacerbated by work. Understanding the link between asthma and exposure/and or employment, identifying and referring to an appropriate medical specialist and directing patients to additional support systems available through our legal compensation systems can be an important way for medical practitioners to support the holistic care of patients.[3] In addition, by highlighting a potential occupational cause for a patient’s asthma, medical practitioners can assist in advising about avoiding future exposures at work, contribute to accurate data collection and thereby influence future workplace safety regulation.[4]
Taking an occupational history
To identify an occupational link, a detailed and effective occupational history is vital. Medical practitioners can be well placed to identify occupational asthma on the basis of having a long-standing relationship with the patient.[5]
Most resources suggest focusing on screening questions to assist with the identification of an occupational link. Some questions that could assist medical practitioners to obtain a history include:
Holistic patient care: financial compensation to support recovery and treatment.
An accepted compensation claim allows for payment of all relevant medical expenses and in turn, can assist with access to private specialist physicians, specialised tests, treatments and care services.[7]
Compensation schemes may also enable a patient to pursue training or education to obtain a different job thus removing themselves from the unhelpful environment. Compensation can also enable funded services to be put in place and adequate financial support to be secured for patients who may not be able to rely on family for care.
Case study
P was employed as an office assistant based at a premises which contained water leaks and dampness. In the course of her employment, P was exposed to, and worked in areas of the premises contaminated with and which contained mould. As a result of this exposure, P suffered a recurrence, aggravation, acceleration and exacerbation of her pre-existing asthma. In turn, P became incapacitated for employment and was able to successfully claim a lump sum and weekly payments from her employer as a result of her exposure to mould and subsequent incapacity arising from her condition of asthma in the course of her employment.
Practical steps to support patients to pursue compensation.
Growing awareness of the link between work exposures and the development of work-related asthma is key for driving better health and safety practices. But for those affected by work- related asthma, their best hope lies in quick access to health care and support services. As frontline health care providers, medical practitioners can play a pivotal role in directing patients with work- related asthma to legal experts who can ensure they have access to services and support.[8]
Contacting a lawyer can be done easily via phone and most lawyers in the field will offer an initial appointment free of charge. The medical practitioner’s involvement in the matter is usually kept to a minimum. The medical practitioner may be asked to provide a letter confirming the diagnosis as well as a copy of the patient’s clinical records. Otherwise, the ongoing involvement usually involves providing the patient with medical certificates if the patient is unable to work due to their work-related asthma.
Further information
National Asthma Council Australia:
National Asthma Council – Australian Asthma Handbook:
asthmahandbook.org.au/clinical-issues/management-challenges/triggers-comorbidities
asthmahandbook.org.au/clinical-issues/work-related-asthma/prevention
asthmahandbook.org.au/clinical-issues/work-related-asthma/management
asthmahandbook.org.au/clinical-issues/work-related-asthma/investigation
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers:
Safe Work Australia:
safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month
References
[1] Weir S, O'Keefe L, Sottile R. The Role of the Medical Profession in Occupational Lung Disease and Access to Compensation. J Law Med. 2022 Dec;29(4):1236-1240. PMID: 36763028.
[2] Weir S, O'Keefe L, Sottile R. The Role of the Medical Profession in Occupational Lung Disease and Access to Compensation. J Law Med. 2022 Dec;29(4):1236-1240. PMID: 36763028.
[3] Weir S, O'Keefe L, Sottile R. The Role of the Medical Profession in Occupational Lung Disease and Access to Compensation. J Law Med. 2022 Dec;29(4):1236-1240. PMID: 36763028.
[4] Lax MB, Grant WD, Manetti FA, Klein R. Recognizing occupational disease--taking an effective occupational history. Am Fam Physician. 1998 Sep 15;58(4):935-44. PMID: 9767728.
[5] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/comparison-workers-compensation-arrangements-australia-and-new-zealand-2021.
[6] Lax MB, Grant WD, Manetti FA, Klein R. Recognizing occupational disease--taking an effective occupational history. Am Fam Physician. 1998 Sep 15;58(4):935-44. PMID: 9767728. [1] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/comparison-workers-compensation-arrangements-australia-and-new-zealand-2021.
[7] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/comparison-workers-compensation-arrangements-australia-and-new-zealand-2021.
[8] Weir S, O'Keefe L, Sottile R. The Role of the Medical Profession in Occupational Lung Disease and Access to Compensation. J Law Med. 2022 Dec;29(4):1236-1240. PMID: 36763028.
