Don’t Risk Roundup – Get the Facts on Glyphosate

AWU Workplace Health & Safety Alert

November 2019

Don’t risk glyphosate exposure

Glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, is a herbicide used to kill weeds. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has said there is strong evidence that exposure to glyphosate causes cancer.

Workers exposed to glyphosate are 41% more likely to develop cancer. Those most at risk include greenskeepers and those working in local government, national parks, agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

You are at risk if you get glyphosate on your skin, in your eyes or breathe it in.

When working with glyphosate, your employer must provide you with:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) including overalls, aprons, footwear, chemical-resistant gloves, glasses and face shields – which must be the correct size and maintained appropriately

Comprehensive training and instruction on the risks and use of glyphosate

Regular health monitoring including chest x-rays, spirometry (lung function), urine and blood tests

The AWU is campaigning to stop workers being exposed to glyphosate by substituting it with a safer product.

If you are or have been exposed to glyphosate, contact your AWU organiser immediately on 1300 763 223.

DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET HERE