Australian Labor Government Intensifies Workplace Health Safety
The Minns Labor Government is fortifying workplace safety by introducing the new Silica Worker Register (SWR). Designed to monitor and record the health status of susceptible employees involved in high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS), this initiative underscores the importance of comprehensive Work Health and Safety systems like Bluesafe WHS Management System.
This move stems from the recently enacted Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025. Under it, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) are mandated to register every worker engaged in high-risk CSS processing. This should be done within a reasonable timeframe, but not exceeding 28 days from the day the employee begins work.
Tasks that involve processing crystalline silica substances include cutting, drilling, grinding, or polishing. Silicosis, among other silica dust-induced diseases, can be triggered by inhaling very fine crystalline silica dust particles. Workers in the mining and construction industries, tunnelling, and engineered stone sectors face the maximum risk.
Since January 2024, over 100 inspections have been conducted at tunnelling sites across Sydney’s metro area. Additionally, since 2018 SafeWork NSW inspectors have carried out upwards of 5,200 worksite visits pertaining to silica. The inspection processes used during these site visits are highly reliant on advanced WHS management systems and a meticulous understanding of SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements).
In addition to these visits, SafeWork NSW has issued 2,496 improvement notices, 181 prohibition notifications, and 33 penalty notifications related to silica dust across various industries. Sadly, between 2017 and the present, NSW experienced 516 diagnosed cases of silicosis and tragically resulted in 36 deaths.
The Minns Government zealously prioritises eliminating silica-associated risks. Various measures, including the silica worker register, have been initiated to minimise the hazards of working with CSS in NSW.
For further details, including information on registration and employer responsibilities, visit the silica worker register notification page on the SafeWork NSW website. Utility services like Bluesafe SWMS can also provide helpful information on work safety practices.
Statements from Key Figures
In their shared commitment towards maintaining workplace safety, Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis, SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer, Icare CEO Geniere Apin, and AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan all voiced support for the new Silica Worker Register. Their comments underscore the importance of preventive measures and efficient systems like the Bluesafe WHS Management System to safeguard workers’ health. They collectively stress that no employee should ever be at risk of neglecting their health at work, pushing for robust prevention strategies against silicosis and high enforcement levels in workplaces.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/minns-labor-government-launches-silica-worker-register-to-further-protect-workers
