This review of the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Scheme focused on support for younger workers within the scheme and the risk factors and safety measures related to dust exposure in the tunnelling industry in New South Wales.

The review of support available to younger workers within the Scheme covered:

• how younger workers can readily access appropriate supports to maintain or extend their working life in suitable duties
• when this is not possible due to dust disease, how the Scheme can provide financial supports commensurate to their situation in flexible ways and
• related medical, care and treatment supports for them, and when appropriate, their families.

The second focus of the review covered other risk areas for silicosis, including but not limited to, tunnelling and quarrying.