New regulations to protect Victorian workers from exposure to crystalline silica dust take effect

WorkSafe reminds Victorian employers that new regulations to help protect workers from exposure to deadly crystalline silica dust took effect from 15 May.

Crystalline silica is found in ceramic tiles, marble, engineered stone and concrete bricks. Inhalation of silica dust can cause respiratory diseases such as silicosis.

In 2021, four workers died from silica-related illness and WorkSafe accepted 73 claims for silica-related diseases.

WorkSafe Victoria said, "manufacturers and suppliers of products containing crystalline silica must now provide a statement outlining the percentage of crystalline silica in the product, along with information about safe handling and exposure controls."

Read the full story on the WorkSafe Victoria website.