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News Release: Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic

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Please note that this post was written for Victorian audiences and the information within may not apply to other regions.

WorkSafe has partnered with Alfred Health to establish Australia’s first dedicated Occupational Respiratory Clinic.

The new centralised clinic will provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of occupational respiratory diseases with an initial focus on silica-exposed stonemasons.

Zaparas Lawyers welcomes the new partnership and clinic. The clinic will help to minimise delays for those seeking appointments and obtaining results. The clinic will provide a specialist management plan that will be streamlined which will provide clearer health monitoring and management for patients.

Stonemasons remain eligible for free silica health screening, this free testing was launched in May 2019. With the establishment of the new Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic, initial health screening appointments will now take place at the Alfred clinic and you will no longer be required to seek a referral to a respiratory physician.

Current and former workers will now be able to undergo a comprehensive health assessment and receive a diagnosis on the same day as their health assessment. Following the assessment the clinic will advise whether a follow up assessments should take place and whether or not this is to take place via the clinic or with an alternative provider. Stonemasons who have already completed their initial health assessment are to continue to consult with their treating respiratory physician rather than seek a referral to the new clinic.

Current and former workers who may have been exposed to crystalline silica at work but are not yet eligible for WorkSafe’s free health assessments are encouraged by WorkSafe to undergo health monitoring by an occupational physician with expertise in respiratory disease and conditions relating to silica exposure. For workers currently in the industry, this can be arranged and paid for by your employer.

You can learn more about the eligibility criteria for a referral to the Alfred’s Occupational Respiratory Clinic via the WorkSafe website.

If you think you might be at risk or have been exposed to silica during the course of your employment, our expert Silicosis team is available to advise you of your rights and the best possible legal path for you to take. Contact us today for an obligation free appointment.

WorkSafe Annoucement
Government Announcement