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Following
the final report into the F-111 deseal/reseal programs,
CAF says the safety of personnel is paramount.
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Photo
by LAC Rob Mitchell
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THE
final health report into the F-111 deseal/reseal programs has
found some people involved in the programs have a lower quality
of life and more health complaints than other personnel.
CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston issued the report of the General
Health and Medical Study on October 26.
It was the third and final phase of the Study of Health Outcomes
in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP), which began in 2001
following the F-111 Deseal/Reseal Board of Inquiry.
AIRMSHL Houston said he remained committed to doing all that he
could to help anyone whose health had been affected by their time
in the Service.
The results of the health study point to an association between
exposure to chemicals used in the F-111 deseal/reseal programs
and a number of adverse health outcomes for some personnel who
were involved in these programs.
On average, the F-111 deseal/reseal group which took part in the
study reported nearly twice the number of poor health symptoms
than two comparison groups.
AIRMSHL Houston thanked those who participated in the study for
their efforts and their patience.
“The safety and wellbeing of all our people is paramount,”
he said. “Many improvements have been made in the last few
years in occupational health and workplace safety management.
I remain fully committed to ensuring all Air Force personnel have
a safe working environment in which they can operate and excel
today and into the future.”
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Government would examine
all aspects of the SHOAMP reports and would respond as soon as
possible.
“Personnel involved in the study, and those whose health
has been affected by their service, can be assured that the Australian
Government maintains its commitment to meeting the health and
safety needs of all Defence personnel, past and present,”
Senator Hill said.
The report can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/publications.cfm.
Background
to Health Study
The
Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel assessed
a group involved in the deseal/reseal program from 1975 to 1999
and two comparison groups – one of technical personnel at
RAAF Base Richmond serving between 1975 and 1999, and one of other
personnel, not involved in technical duties, posted to RAAF Base
Amberley between 1975 and 1999.
Four F-111 deseal/reseal programs were carried out to fix fuel
leaks caused by poor sealant used in 24 F-111s bought from the
US.
