Watch the informative video from SafeWork NSW Silica Taskforce Inspectors as they meticulously carry out their duties on site. Don’t miss the exclusive interview with Kyle Goodwin on this critical issue.
Through a determined effort, the Minns Labor Government has taken assertive steps towards protecting lives by issuing over 100 improvement notices to stringently enforce the ban on engineered stone products. This initiative demonstrates a crucial application of WHS management systems and SWMS adhering to stringent Bluesafe WHS Management Systems principles.
With ample funding from the NSW government, a dedicated team of trained inspectors, appointed since September, is working tirelessly in the field. A significant investment of $2.5 million is channelled towards specialised Silica Inspectors tasked with issuing prohibition notices that halt operations generating harmful levels of silica dust. Businesses are warned of penalties reaching up to $40,000 for any instance of noncompliance.
Within the initial two months post-inspection commencement, SafeWork NSW’s efficient Silica Compliance Team has executed 118 meticulous inspections, leading to 125 issued improvement notices and seven prohibition notices at various workplaces.
A notable highlight was an intensive campaign carried out across Southwest Sydney in late October. The experienced team conducted over 36 rigorous inspections, consequently issuing 47 valuable improvement notices along with five prohibition notices. Particular attention was given to dry cutting practices, suitable usage of respiratory protective equipment, and comprehensive health monitoring.
It’s known that Silicosis, an incurable illness linked with products high in silica content like engineered stone, has received national attention since 2015. Engineered stone—a staple in kitchen benchtop construction—and its ties to the deadly illness spurred the national ban implemented on July 1, 2024. This ban strictly forbids the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing minimum 1% silica.
The uncontrolled handling of CSS materials—including granite, tiles, bricks and sandstone—when cut, drilled, polished or ground can also trigger serious health issues. Notably, these range from silicosis to lung disease, lung cancer, and even kidney disease. These potential diseases highlight the need for appropriate work safety products and policies, such as the Bluesafe SWMS and WHS Management System.
Following their commitment in April to provide $5 million of crucial funding for silicosis research and a patient support program, the Minns Labor government has stayed true to its promise. This wealth of funds is set to assist individuals and their families dealing with the health risks attributed to silica dust exposure.
Quotes from Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis:
“The NSW Government is committed to reducing the unacceptably high rates of silicosis experienced by workers… From July to September there have been a further 23 new cases of silicosis reported… The new requirements, along with enforcement and education from the new silica compliance team… will hopefully go a long way in bringing those numbers down and create safer workplaces.”
Notable mention from the Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin:
“No one deserves to have their health compromised due to their working environment… They will continue their zero-tolerance approach to protecting workers’ lives from being endangered through exposure to deadly crystalline silica dust… In NSW, as the SafeWork NSW campaign goes, It’s the Safe Way or No Way.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/minns-government-helping-save-lives-by-issuing-over-100-improvement-notices-to-enforce-ban-on-engineered-stone