Policy challenges from the "White" Senate inquiry into workplace-related health impacts of toxic dusts and nanoparticles

Thomas A. Faunce*, Haydn Walters, Trevor Williams, David Bryant, Martin Jennings, Bill Musk

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    On 22 June 2005 the Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia voted to establish an inquiry into workplace harm related to toxic dust and emerging technologies (including nanoparticles). The inquiry became known as the "White" Inquiry after Mr Richard White, a financially uncompensated sufferer of industrial sandblasting-induced lung disease who was instrumental in its establishment. The "White" Inquiry delivered its final report and recommendations on 31 May 2006. This paper examines whether these recommendations and their implementation may provide a unique opportunity not only to modernize relevant monitoring standards and processes, but related compensation systems for disease associated with workplace-related exposure to toxic dusts. It critically analyzes the likely role of the new Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) in this area. It also considers whether recommendations related to potential workplace related harm from exposure to nanoparticles could commence a major shift in Australian healthcare regulation.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number7
    JournalAustralia and New Zealand Health Policy
    Volume3
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2006

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