99 Protecting workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure: Validity and reliability assessment of dust control climate questionnaire

Aim This research aims to assess and improve the management of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure among workers in Australian tunnelling projects by introducing and measuring the “dust control climate.” Problem or Situation Tunnelling projects contribute towards infrastructure development but expose workers to RCS, leading to silicosis, lung cancer, and other health issues. Despite existing control measures, RCS exposure remains a concern. Previous research has identified factors affecting RCS exposure control in tunnelling but lacks worker input. Additionally, while safety climate studies are common, little focus is given to occupational hygiene, particularly RCS exposure. Methods Based on the NOSACQ-50 safety climate questionnaire, the concept of dust control climate is defined as workers’ perceptions and awareness of dust prevention and control strategies. The adapted tool contained 52 items and has been reviewed by tunnelling experts for content validity. After administering the questionnaire on a tunnelling project, the psychometric properties of the dust control climate tool were tested. Results The questionnaire yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93, and factor analysis revealed robust inter-component relationships, affirming its reliability and validity in assessing dust control climate. Conclusion A tool was developed to measure dust control climate using the NOSACQ-50 safety climate tool as a foundation. Its reliability and validity were established by applying and analysing the tool’s constructs. This tool holds promise for enhancing dust control practices in tunnelling and various industries, as it considers the perspectives of workers and management.