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. 2022 Jun;27(6):455-461.
doi: 10.1111/resp.14257. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

Predictors of psychological stress in silica-exposed workers in the artificial stone benchtop industry

Fiona Hore-Lacy  1   2 , Jessy Hansen  1 , Christina Dimitriadis  1 , Ryan Hoy  1   2 , Jane Fisher  1 , Deborah Glass  1 , Malcolm R Sim  1
Affiliations

Predictors of psychological stress in silica-exposed workers in the artificial stone benchtop industry

Fiona Hore-Lacy et al. Respirology. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Background and objective: Artificial stone benchtops are a popular kitchen product, but dust from their preparation and installation contains respirable crystalline silica, which causes silicosis. Silicosis is a preventable, permanent lung disease. The aim of this study was to assess mental health in workers from the artificial stone benchtop industry at risk of silicosis.

Methods: Workers from the artificial stone benchtop industry undergoing assessment for silica-associated disease were included. Information on demographics; occupational, medical and smoking history; modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire; spirometry; and chest x-ray was collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Of the 547 participants, the majority were men, aged under 45 years, in the industry for less than 10 years. With each increase of dyspnoea score, PSS-10 scores increased. Higher PSS-10 scores were also observed in those no longer in the industry, with a history of anxiety or depression, attending assessment early in the programme and a medium exposure duration. Participants who used an interpreter reported lower stress. No difference was observed across job title, age, sex, smoking, spirometry or chest x-ray categories after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: This study identified workers with dyspnoea as likely to report higher stress. Other factors, such as leaving the industry, early attendance and a history of anxiety or depression, are also helpful in identifying workers at risk of poorer mental health outcomes.

Keywords: artificial stone benchtop industry; lung fibrosis; occupational health; quality of life; silicosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Research funding: Malcolm R. Sim received funding from WorkSafe Victoria paid to Monash University. Fiona Hore‐Lacy received a PhD stipend for PhD programme from WorkSafe Victoria paid to Monash University. Jane Fisher was supported by the Finkel Professorial Fellowship and received funding from the Finkel Family Foundation.

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