Australia is set to implement groundbreaking safety regulations to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust exposure.
Starting September 1, 2024, these new laws will extend protection to approximately 600,000 workers across various industries, including road and rail tunnelling, civil construction, quarries, mines, and road maintenance.
The new legislation mandates multiple safety control measures for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Water suppression systems
- On-tool dust extraction systems
- Local exhaust ventilation systems
For high-risk work environments, employees can demand a silica risk control plan from their employers.
Work must cease if this plan is not followed.
The regulations also include a mandatory training requirement for workers.
Companies found in breach of these provisions will face fines.
To ensure compliance, state governments are urged to adequately resource safety regulators.
This legislation follows last year’s ban on engineered stone, commonly known as “killer stone,” used in kitchen benchtops, but the new laws significantly expand protection to workers in various sectors beyond the stone benchtop industry.
Paul Farrow, Australian Workers’ Union National Secretary, expressed pride in the union’s successful fight for worker protection.
He stated: “There are over 600,000 workers exposed to deadly crystalline silica dust, engineered stone benchtops are only part of the story.”
Prior to this nationwide implementation, some states had already taken steps to address silica dust exposure.
For instance, Queensland introduced a code of practice for managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in the construction and manufacturing of construction elements, which came into effect on May 1, 2023.
These new regulations represent a significant step forward in protecting Australian workers from the health risks associated with silica dust exposure, addressing a critical workplace safety issue across multiple industries.
