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Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have agreed to Safe Work Australia’s recommendations on action to reduce workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica and prevent silicosis and silica-related diseases.
Workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica has led to an increase in the number of cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases in Australia.
At a meeting of WHS ministers on 28 February 2023, agreement was reached on the following options:
- Option 2: National awareness and behaviour change initiatives.
- Option 5a: Regulation of high-risk crystalline silica processes for all materials (including engineered stone).
- Option 6: Further analysis and consultation on the impacts of a prohibition on the use of engineered stone, and consideration of a national licensing system for products that are not subject to a ban, or legacy products.
Safe Work Australia has commenced public consultation on a prohibition on the use of engineered stone. Consultation feedback will inform further analysis of the impacts of a prohibition for consideration by WHS ministers.
If you work with engineered stone, or have an interest in this matter, we strongly encourage you to participate in this consultation. Submit your feedback today on our consultation platform Engage.
For more information read the Decision regulation impact statement: Managing the risks of crystalline silica at work or visit our Crystalline silica and silicosis web page.
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