Former Southern Cross Worker Files Claim Over Diesel Fume Exposure

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by ABC News.

A former elevator mechanic at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, vividly recalls the persistent presence of diesel fumes during his time working there. As the man recounted,

"You couldn’t see across the place... it was just this hazy mess of diesel, and it wouldn’t go away,”

The 36-year-old spent three years at the station, exposed daily to diesel fumes and brake dust from V/Line and interstate trains.

The worker would attempt to scrub himself clean daily, but the fumes and dust could never seem to go away. It would embed into his skin, clothing, and car. As time went on, the effects became more obvious. The whistle-blower, who enjoyed long distance running and cycling, found himself in constant fatigue, experiencing hand cramps, and even yellowing skin. Incredibly alarmed by these unusual symptoms, he sought medical attention back in 2015, which led to the discovery that his liver was no longer functioning properly. It is important to note that he was also a non-smoker and non-drinker.

A recent medical report linked his liver damage and odd symptoms to prolonged diesel fume exposure during his tenure at Southern Cross Station. The man has now lodged a workers compensation claim.

The worker expressed his anger towards these unsafe working conditions.

"I got a lot of pride out of making that place run... the least they could do is make it safe for us to be in,"

His claim comes after a report earlier this year revealed alarming levels of air pollution at Southern Cross, prompting experts to warn that workers and passengers had been exposed to dangerous health risks. While air quality has reportedly improved, the latest data has not been made public.

The station’s owners have claimed that the design of the roof is able to natural ventilate the space, reducing the need for any additional extraction systems. However, following the workers compensation claim, they have stated that they are now investigating this issue further and looking into ventilation options to improve working conditions.

The worker's legal team is also considering civil action, alongside the compensation claim. He hopes his experience will push for better protections for future workers, saying,

"I want to play with my daughters and I can't... They don’t understand why I can't play with them."

This story highlights the serious impacts of not providing safe working conditions. There are always improvements that can be made.