New regulations to protect workers from the health effects of silica exposure came into effect on September 1.
The regulations follow the Australia-wide ban on engineered stone products that took effect in WA on July 1.
The regulations recognise the fact that engineered stone is not the only product that can produce fine crystalline silica dust and has the potential to cause harmful exposure to workers when inhaled.
Other products that contain the dust include bricks, concrete and tiles.
The regulations will require employers to assess if the work they are doing with materials containing crystalline silica is “high risk work”.
If it is, employers will need to ensure they have a silica risk control plan in place which confirms the workplace’s risk controls to prevent exposure and that workers are trained in these silica risks and controls.
Additionally, workers who are identified as being at risk of developing silicosis due to their work must be provided with regular health monitoring.
The WorkSafe Commissioner has released a Statement of Regulatory Intent that outlines WorkSafe’s approach to the laws relating to working with CSS.
The new regulations do not apply to mine sites as similar requirements are already in place for mines in WA.
For further information see:
Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
- Working with crystalline silica substances: Guide
- Crystalline silica substances regulations: Information sheet
- Respirable crystalline silica air monitoring notification form
Safe Work Australia
Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk said: “These new regulations aim to protect the health of all workers who work with crystalline silica, whether it comes from brick dust, concrete dust or silica dust, from tiles or engineered stone.”
Epigroup WHS Practioner Shontae Strang said: “For PCBUs whose workers are exposed to silica dust, managing this risk may involve developing a Silica Risk Control Plan, which includes conducting a thorough risk assessment and implementing associated mitigation strategies, providing comprehensive health monitoring for affected workers, and, where possible, eliminating exposure hazards altogether.”
Epigroup’s qualified workplace health and safety experts provide cost-effective solutions to manage your WHS needs, reduce the risk to your workers and help you meet WA’s WHS laws. Email [email protected] or call 1300 414 313.
