Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

• When the diagnosis is Mesothelioma: How the ADDRI Support Service helps patients and families navigate the journey

  When a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, they are often desperately searching for answers. In today’s episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Carmel Oostveen, one of the dedicated Mesothelioma Support Nurses at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), to explore the compassionate and complex world of supporting people affected by mesothelioma. Carmel shares her journey into nursing, from surgical and intensive care units through to her current role, where she provides one-on-one emotional, psychological, and clinical support to patients and carers navigating this rare and devastating disease.We learn how Carmel first encountered mesothelioma patients during her time in a cardiothoracic ICU, caring for them after surgery and witnessing the intensity of Trimodal Therapy. That early experience sparked a deep commitment to helping patients and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.In conversation with James, Carmel discusses how ADDRI’s Support Service—unique in being independent of hospitals and available across Australia—offers both clinical expertise and emotional support to individuals and families navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis.Alongside fellow nurse Pamela Logan, she provides one-on-one guidance through complex healthcare systems, starting from the very first phone call. Carmel discusses the realities of a typical day, the importance of listening, and how she helps patients and carers through the most difficult conversations. She also highlights how support extends beyond the person diagnosed—because carers need care too. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, Carmel explains how to reach out and why doing so can make all the difference. Carmel Oostveen is a Mesothelioma Support Coordinator with the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).  A Clinical Nurse Consultant Carmel’s career in nursing spans over several decades, marked by her unwavering dedication to her patients. Her journey into the specialised field of mesothelioma was built on a strong foundation of experience as an Intensive Care (ICU) nurse, with a particular focus on cardiothoracics.  In her role at ADDRI, Carmel works closely with diagnosed mesothelioma patients, offering vital support and guidance to both them and their families.   Find out more about the ADDRI Support Service here: https://addri.org.au/support/getting-support/To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin  https://jamesologhlin.com/> and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/.If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

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• Shane Wormald - a Tunneller’s story

  In this episode, we speak with Shane Wormald, a road tunnelling and mining worker who has been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, Silicosis, COPD, and Rheumatoid Arthritis after a 30-year career in an industry he loves.  Shane was the first person in his field to publicly speak out on the dangers tunnel workers face working in incredibly dusty conditions, raising awareness of the deadly risks associated with respirable crystalline silica exposure.Shane's story became widely known when he appeared on Channel 10’s The Project in late 2021, speaking out about silicosis and the impact it had on his life. As a well-respected member of the tunnelling community, Shane's courageous decision to speak out has helped spark change and shine a light on the hidden dangers of the profession, which affect not only workers like him but also future generations, including his sons and nephews in the same industry.In this interview with James O’Loghlin, Shane shares his personal experience with his work, the years of misdiagnosis and ultimately, his official diagnosis of silicosis in 2016.  He discusses the emotional toll it has taken, and the importance of early diagnosis.  And, he provides valuable advice for workers in the tunnelling and mining industries, especially the younger generation, and discusses his hopes for future improvements in safety and health standards.During this conversation discover:  An introduction to Shane WormaldExposure history and Occupational backgroundSymptoms, misdiagnosis and diagnosisThe decision to speak outEmotional ImpactAdvice for workers and families in the IndustryLooking forwardShane’s powerful story – his courage and resilience - and his call to action for better awareness, safety, and early diagnosis for workers in hazardous industries is a must-listen. Resources and Links:The Silicosis Support Hub @ silicosis.org.auThe Project Episode: ⁠Silicosis Fears for Tunnel Workers⁠To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: ⁠www.addri.org.au⁠ Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host ⁠James O’Loghlin⁠ and Producer Rod Morri from ⁠Sydney Podcast Studios⁠.If you have any questions or comments, please email ⁠[email protected]

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• How do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplace

  Each year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around the world. In Australia alone, an estimated 6 million tonnes of asbestos remains in the built environment. So, what happens when this material starts to break down? Additionally, around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to hazardous silica dust in their workplaces.In today’s episode, we dive deep into the critical role that unions play in advocating for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment. We're joined by Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). With over 23 years of experience as a union official, Liam is passionate about ensuring that every worker has access to a safe workplace.Liam sits down with James O’Loghlin to discuss the ongoing asbestos and silicosis crisis in Australia, the importance of combating complacency around invisible workplace hazards, and the phases of activism that have driven significant changes over the decades. The conversation also highlights the work that remains to be done—and the vital task facing today's generation of workplace safety activists.  Though the benefits of this work may not be immediately apparent, the long-term impact in terms of lives saved will be huge. In this episode, we explore: The role of the ACTU and current initiatives to combat asbestos and silica dust exposure. How unions have played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the asbestos and silicosis issues over the decades. The history of asbestos in Australia and the pressing question today: How can we safely and swiftly remove it from our buildings? The accelerated rate of disease amongst engineered stone workers – and the successful campaign leading to Australia’s world-first ban on engineered stone. The risks associated with tunnelling and the crucial work unions are doing to protect workers exposed to silica dust in this field. The current state of workplace exposure to hazardous dust, and what further actions are necessary to ensure workers' safety. Australia’s leadership in the global fight against asbestos exposure. Liam O’Brien Liam was re-elected as Assistant Secretary at the ACTU Congress in June 2024.  As ACTU Assistant Secretary, he is responsible for leading the movements policy, industrial and campaigning work on work health and safety and workers’ compensation matters. Liam is passionate about the rights of all workers to have safe, healthy and decent work, and is a member of Safe Work Australia (SWA) and the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Council (ASSEC). You can find out more about Liam and the ACTU here: https://www.actu.org.au/officer/liam-obrien/ To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios. If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

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• I’ve been diagnosed with silicosis - how do I start the compensation and legal process?

  In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Walsh, a Principal Lawyer specialising in asbestos, silica, and occupational diseases with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. Jonathan is an expert in dust diseases law and a dedicated advocate for those impacted by these diseases. With a deep passion for justice and compassion for his clients, he works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes for individuals affected by these life-changing conditions.    Jonathan sits down with James O’Loghlin to discuss the legal landscape and the health implications for those impacted by silicosis. During this conversation, we discuss the connection between silica dust exposure, workers' rights, and the historical context of these illnesses. Jonathan shares really important insights into how these diseases have affected clients, how litigation has evolved, and the practical process for people who have been impacted.    In this episode, you’ll learn:    ·       The various types of dust exposure that cause disease ·       What to do if you think you’ve been exposed  ·       Why workers should see a specialised lawyer as soon as possible to help navigate the state-based systems  ·       How to start the process with a lawyer - it’s easier than you think! ·       What’s involved in claiming workers compensation and common law damages  ·       How silicosis claims differ from asbestos claims  ·       What needs to be done in Australia to protect workers      Jonathan Walsh is a Principal Lawyer and the Practice Group Leader of the QLD, NT and NSW Dust Diseases teams at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.  He is the Practice Leader for Queensland/Northern Territory, New South Wales and New Zealand, and an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury (Dust Diseases),   You can find out more about Jonathan here:https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/our-lawyers/jonathan-walsh/ To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/   If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

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• In conversation with Professor Dean Fennell, international leader in mesothelioma research

  In August 2024, we were thrilled to host UK-based Professor Dean Fennell, a renowned expert in mesothelioma research, in Sydney.  He has designed and led numerous investigator-initiated trials from phase 1 through phase 3, placing him at the forefront of this critical field.   Join James O’Loghlin as he engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Fennell about his clinical and translational research in mesothelioma, as well as the latest treatment options available in the UK.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Insights into Professor Fennell’s groundbreaking research on the gut microbiome and its influence on treatment response. How genetic discoveries are shaping precision medicine and personalised therapy for mesothelioma. An overview of the clinical trials he’s spearheading and the significant advancements in this area.   Professor Fennell also shares details about the exciting collaborations between the UK and ADDRI in Australia, exploring the potential for simultaneous clinical trials in both countries to better serve patients.   His optimism about new therapeutic developments and the commitment to global collaboration shines through, making this a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the future of mesothelioma treatment.   You can find out more about Professor Dean Fennell’s work here: https://mesothelioma-research-leicester.com/team/dean-fennell/   To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au   Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/   If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

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