Silicosis has been long recognized as a serious threat to the health and safety of workers in the mining industry. A common disease resulting from exposure to silica dust in mines, silicosis is caused when small inhaled dust particles containing silica become embedded in the workers lungs. 

Silicosis has been long recognized as a serious threat to the health and safety of workers in the mining industry. A common disease resulting from exposure to silica dust in mines, silicosis is caused when small inhaled dust particles containing silica become embedded in the workers lungs. 

In 2002, a study conducted by McMaster University indicated that the true risk of silicosis might be underestimated in previous studies as silicosis rarely occurs earlier than 20 years from first exposure.  In February 2013, following the government call for a medical audit of mining properties, Horizon Occupational Health Solutions began a project that would examine the occupational protections against silica dust exposure and the development of silicosis in miners. The project consisted of an audit of current practices, the ability of surveillance programs to conform to regulation, review of existing protocols, and finally the development of physician, employer and employee silicosis information packages.

Findings and recommendations of the study were recently highlighted in Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Magazine. To read the article, click here.

In a recent effort to promote awareness around silicosis in the mining community, we developed the Horizon Silicosis Information Package. The Horizon Silicosis Information Package is a quick and easy way to learn about how employees get silicosis, the various types of the disease, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and finally employer responsibility when it comes to silicosis protections. To download the Horizon Silicosis Information Package, click here.

If your organization is interested in understanding more about health surveillance or Miner’s Medicals please contact us today at http://horizonohs.com/contact-us/.