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Australia's cultural diversity poses challenges to healthcare professionals, particularly in caring for dying people. Different cultures have different attitudes to the role of the doctor, patient autonomy and disclosure of diagnosis and prognosis. Doctors need to recognise the cultural and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a health survey for wastewater treatment workers exposed to biosolids, using an upstream framework for environmental health. The questionnaire included items about health status, symptoms, frequency of contact with biosolids, use of personal protective equipment, and demographic data. A majority of workers regularly exposed to biosolids reported at least one health-related symptom, although some attributed their symptoms to contact with materials other than biosolids. All 11 participants took unnecessary health risks such as periodically neglecting to wear masks, respirators, gloves, or goggles to protect themselves from potential exposure to biosolids. However, those who reported symptoms were the least compliant with personal protective equipment use. Survey results highlighted that occupational health nurses must effectively communicate to their clients the need for proper use of personal protective equipment when working with potentially hazardous material.

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