From 1 September 2024, all Australian workers exposed to silica dust – not just those working with engineered stone – will be protected under new laws. These regulations extend safety measures to an additional 600,000 workers in sectors such as road and rail tunnelling, civil construction, quarries, mines and road maintenance.
Last year’s high-profile campaign led to a ban on engineered stone used in kitchen benchtops across the country. Now, the focus has broadened to ensure protection for workers in other industries exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust.
The new laws mandate multiple safety control measures, including personal protective equipment, water suppression, on-tool extraction systems, and local exhaust ventilation. Workers involved in high-risk activities can now demand a silica risk control plan from their employers, which requires work to stop if the plan is not adhered to. Companies found in breach of these provisions will face fines, and there is also a training requirement for affected workers.
These laws, already in place in Victoria, were agreed upon by workplace safety ministers from all states and territories earlier this year. However, the Western Australian Government has chosen to exclude the state’s mining industry from these laws.
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Paul Farrow, national secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), expressed pride in the union’s successful advocacy.
“There are over 600,000 workers exposed to deadly crystalline silica dust; engineered stone benchtops are only part of the story,” said Farrow. “We welcome state and territory ministers’ action on this in conjunction with Safe Work Australia to protect workers from silica dust.”
“We have members right now in our nation’s major cities and regional areas building crucial public infrastructure for Australians to enjoy; now these hard-working men and women can enjoy protections at work against this deadly dust.”
“The AWU is urging state governments to adequately resource safety regulators to police the new regulations. The AWU will be actively fighting to ensure employers are following the rules from day one.”
