The NSW Government launches a dedicated expert silica safety taskforce. The goal? Stronger safety controls, clearer standards, and better protection for workers in tunnelling, construction, and infrastructure.
Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust. The condition is progressive, irreversible, yet preventable.
Silicosis has long been associated with engineered stone, but recent cases highlight the risks in tunnelling, construction, and civil infrastructure where rock excavation and drilling produce high levels of airborne silica. The health impacts of silica exposure are well-documented. Beyond silicosis, risks include lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. With no cure, prevention through effective dust control is critical.
In response, the NSW Government has established a dedicated silica safety taskforce, bringing together unions, regulators, and industry stakeholders to improve controls and reduce exposure. The taskforce will review safety practices, risk management, and compliance across tunnelling and related sectors. Read more here.
Safe Work Australia’s model WHS Regulations already prohibit the uncontrolled processing of engineered stone, slabs and panels. Now, attention is turning toward enforcement and implementation across other high-risk environments. Each state and territory continues to adopt regulations independently, but momentum is building toward stronger national safeguards.
Key safety controls for silica include:
- Using wet cutting methods
- Effective local exhaust ventilation
- Enclosed cabins with HEPA filtration
- Respiratory protection (RPE)
- Real-time dust monitoring
- Regular health screenings
The focus should be on consistent application of these controls, monitoring and early detection of health impacts, and an open reporting culture.
Silica exposure goes beyond benchtop manufacturing. Tunnelling crews, construction workers, and contractors across Australia will be given clear standards, practical tools, monitoring and strong compliance to support workers on site to identify hazards, manage risks, and uphold WHS standards in complex environments.
LDN will keep you updated on how lessons are turned into actions.
You may also be interested in this related article: Crystalline silica in engineered stone: New WHS regulations prioritise workers’ health
Preventing harm starts with the right training.
From hazard identification to safety leadership, Safety Dimensions equips teams with the skills needed to create safer, more compliant workplaces. Our WHS training is designed for the real risks your teams face—on site, underground, in the office and everywhere safety matters.
