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:

1. An introduction to Shane Wormald
2. Exposure history and Occupational background
3. Symptoms, misdiagnosis and diagnosis
4. The decision to speak out
5. Emotional Impact
6. Advice for workers and families in the Industry
7. Looking forward

Shane’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.au
• The Project Episode: ⁠Silicosis Fears for Tunnel Workers⁠

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 ⁠info@addri.org.au