Call to take part in F-111 health study

AIR Force personnel and civilians involved in F-111 fuel tank maintenance have been urged to participate in a national health study.

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs, on behalf of Defence, has written to a large number of current and former Air Force members and civilian contractors, inviting them to take part in the Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP).

The study will rely heavily on not only those actually involved in the F-111 deseal/reseal activities but also former and current Air Force personnel from RAAF Base Amberley and Richmond, who can serve as a comparison population.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston has encouraged personnel to participate in the study, which aims to determine as association between adverse health and an involvement in deseal/reseal activities.

“The involvement of the comparison groups will add to our knowledge of the health of aircraft maintenance personnel greatly, and will help shape a safer working environment for aircraft maintenance activities,” AIRMSHL Houston said.

“As a values-based organisation it is our obligation to look out for one another and to do whatever we can to ensure the safety and well being of our team, both now and into the future.

“Participation in the health study will be important in achieving my goals of a safe and equitable workplace.”

The results of the health examinations, to be conducted between now and the middle of the year, will be analysed by an independent research team from the University of Newcastle.

A preliminary cancer incidence and mortality study, involving matching data to national death and cancer registries, was recently completed.

However, for a longer-term study to be successful, and to achieve sound results, AIRMSHL Houston said the involvement of individuals who made up the comparison groups was vitally important.

“It is for this reason that commanders should try to encourage their people to be a part of this study if they receive an invitation to do so,” he said.

People who receive an invitation to participate in the study can contact the study hotline on 1800 502 302 to find out more information.

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