Safe Work Australia seeks feedback on options for managing occupational exposure to silica dust

Safe Work Australia is seeking public comments on proposed policy options for managing occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Michelle Baxter said people who work with engineered stones, natural stones, and concrete face increased risks of exposure to silica dust.

“Workplace exposure to silica dust has led to an increase in the number of cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases in Australia,” Ms. Michelle said.

“Between 2010-11 and 2019-20, there were 412 accepted workers’ compensation claims for silicosis in the jurisdictions covered by the model WHS laws. I was a member of the National Dust Disease Taskforce, which found that nearly one in four workers in the engineered stone sector have evidence of silicosis.”

The six-week consultation period closes on Monday, 15 August 2022.

Read the full story on the Safe Work Australia website.