NSW Resources Regulator publishes Fact Sheet on safeguarding workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure

NSW Resources Regulator has published a fact sheet focused on safeguarding workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure, giving quarry operators clear guidance on managing this serious occupational hazard.

According to Resources Regulator, amendments to Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 have been implemented to further mitigate, as much as "reasonably practicable," worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. These changes reflect a broader push across industry to strengthen safety standards wherever crystalline silica poses a high risk to employee wellbeing.

Regulator also notes these changes are particularly important for tier 3 quarries, which are now required to adhere to specific guidelines that guarantee safety across daily operations. Tier 3 sites often carry unique challenges, so aligning practices with updated regulation helps reduce risk for everyone on site.

What Does the Fact Sheet Cover?

This fact sheet outlines necessary actions tier 3 quarries must undertake to adhere to crystalline silica Work Health and Safety Regulation. It provides practical direction for operators seeking to build safety into everyday procedures rather than treating compliance as an afterthought.

Key points addressed within the guidance include:

• Identifying tasks or areas within quarry operations that present a high risk of respirable crystalline silica exposure
• Steps for reviewing and updating control measures already in place
• Responsibilities placed on operators under updated regulation
• Practical safety measures suited to tier 3 quarry environments

Why This Matters for Industry

Respirable crystalline silica exposure remains a persistent concern across quarrying and broader extractive industry sectors in Australia. Sustained exposure carries long-term health risk, making proactive control measures essential rather than optional.

For operators managing hazardous materials on site, aligning existing procedures with a Silica Dust Management Plan can help translate regulatory requirements into workable daily practice. Similarly, a broader Hazardous Materials Policy covering asbestos, lead and silica supports consistent safety governance across sites handling multiple hazardous substances.

This update follows a pattern seen elsewhere in industry — Victoria previously introduced new regulations protecting workers from crystalline silica dust exposure, signalling growing national attention toward this workplace hazard.

Ongoing Regulatory Attention

NSW Resources Regulator has been active on multiple fronts affecting workplace safety. Alongside this fact sheet, the regulator previously released guidance addressing workplace bullying and harassment within resources industry settings, demonstrating a commitment extending beyond physical hazards alone.

Operators managing broader compliance obligations may also find it useful to review resources within Human Resources Management Plans and related Human Resources Policies and Procedures, particularly where silica risk controls intersect with worker training and induction requirements.

Read more here.