Section IV provides comprehensive information on the identification, diagnosis, clinical features, management and support pathways for workers affected by silicosis and other occupational dust and fume-related diseases. It examines major occupational respiratory diseases including silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung), occupational lung cancers and welder’s lung (pulmonary siderosis), outlining their causes, health impacts and progression.
The section explores current approaches to diagnosis and clinical assessment, including occupational history taking, medical examinations, imaging, lung function testing, biopsy techniques and the application of internationally recognised diagnostic standards such as the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses. It also highlights emerging research that is improving understanding of disease mechanisms and the challenges associated with differentiating dust-related diseases from other respiratory conditions.
In addition, Section IV examines the symptoms and health effects associated with silica exposure and other occupational dust hazards, as well as the support services available to workers, families and carers. The section concludes with an overview of disease reporting, coding and registration systems, including Australia’s National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry and international frameworks used to monitor, record and prevent occupational respiratory diseases. Together, these resources support earlier recognition, accurate diagnosis, effective management and improved outcomes for individuals affected by occupational lung disease.