Safe Work Australia launches campaign to prevent silica dust exposure in the workplace

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Safe Work Australia has today launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the risks of occupational lung disease. The 'Clean Air. Clear Lungs' engagement campaign gives employers and workers practical information to help protect their health while working around airborne hazards.

The campaign aims to help employers and employees understand the risks of silica dust exposure and their WHS duties in managing these risks, building on efforts such as Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice for silica dust.

What Does the Campaign Cover?

"This includes how to identify hazards and eliminate or minimise the risk of exposure in the workplace," says Safe Work Australia. Employers have a legal duty to manage risks before harm occurs, not simply respond once symptoms appear.

Key focus areas of the awareness campaign include:

• Identifying workplace tasks that generate silica dust
• Understanding control measures to limit worker exposure
• Providing resources that support safer work practices on site
• Encouraging early action to protect long-term health outcomes

Why Compliance and Awareness Matter

Occupational lung disease often develops silently, so raising awareness early supports better outcomes for workers across construction, manufacturing, and related trades. Strong compliance with WHS obligations remains essential, particularly given findings shared in Safe Work Australia's consultation on managing occupational exposure to silica dust.

This campaign complements Safe Work Australia's 'Be Silica Smart' campaign, which similarly focuses on helping businesses meet compliance requirements while keeping crews safe. Both initiatives reinforce that protecting worker health is not optional — it forms part of every employer's core legal duty.

Resources for Employers and Workers

Safe Work Australia offers dedicated resources, including a downloadable poster-style guide, checklists, and information sheets designed to support businesses implementing practical control measures on site. These resources sit alongside broader efforts such as workers' compensation reforms outlined in Safe Work Australia's anti-stigma campaign for injured and ill workers.

Businesses looking to strengthen day-to-day compliance may also benefit from pairing awareness training with documented procedures, such as a Workplace Hygiene Safe Operating Procedure or task-specific Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which support consistent application of control measures across teams.

For sites involving manual tasks near dust-generating equipment, a Manual Handling SWMS and a Rigging Safe Work Procedure can further support safe systems of work where silica exposure risks overlap with other hazards.

Staying Up to Date With Silica Dust Requirements

Employers seeking further guidance should review the latest Silica Dust Code of Practice update to confirm their procedures reflect current expectations. Keeping documentation current helps demonstrate ongoing compliance and gives workers confidence that their employer takes health protection seriously.

For more information about the 'Clean Air. Clear Lungs' campaign, click here.

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