Over the past few years, there has been growing concern and awareness over exposure to silica dust, causing silica-related diseases such as silicosis. Businesses may not realise, but their duty of care to workers under work health and safety (WHS) laws extends to the prevention of occupational lung diseases and other risks to health arising from hazardous chemicals, through regular health monitoring. Businesses can face a penalty for contravening this duty. However, what happens when a worker refuses to participate in health monitoring and what can businesses do to ensure their compliance with the law?
