Occupational disease disparities by migration status: comparison of migrant and non-migrant workers in the Australian artificial stone benchtop industry

Objectives Studies addressing the epidemiology of silicosis in the artificial stone benchtop industry have shown that this industry includes a large number of migrant workers in Victoria, Australia. The objective of the current analyses was to compare characteristics of migrant workers in the industry with nonmigrant workers. Methods Data were derived from artificial stone benchtop workers who had health assessments through a regulator-funded screening program between 2019 and 2024. Migrant workers were defined as workers born outside Australia or had used an interpreter during the assessment. Participant characteristics, lung function, and silicosis prevalence were summarized by migrant status and compared between groups. Results There were 1,040 workers (n = 536 migrant workers). Migrant workers were older at assessment than nonmigrant workers (median age 39 versus 33 years, P < 0.001). About 1 quarter of migrant workers used an interpreter (23.8%) and 52% spoke English at home. Silicosis prevalence was higher in migrant compared with nonmigrant workers (23% versus 15%, risk-ratio 1.54, and 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 2.04) and migrant workers who used an interpreter had double the risk of silicosis than those who did not (46% versus 18%, risk-ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 3.10). Prelegislative changes, experience of carrying out dry processing was reportedly higher in nonmigrant than migrant workers. Fewer jobs among migrant workers than nonmigrant workers were reported using recommended respirators (44 versus 53%) or ventilation (24% versus 30%). Conclusions The risk of silicosis in the artificial stone benchtop industry differed by migration status and was higher among those with lower English language proficiency. As the use of appropriate respirators or ventilation was lower among migrant workers, this suggests the need for improved occupational health and safety practices among migrant workers, making sure the messages are communicated in a manner that is language and culturally appropriate.