NSW silica inspectors issue 125 improvement notices in first two months

The NSW Government has committed $2.5 million to a dedicated team of silica inspectors, established in September. The inspectors can issue prohibition notices to stop work that generates high levels of silica dust, with businesses facing penalties of up to $40,000 for noncompliance.

An inspection blitz in Southwest Sydney in late October accounted for more than 36 inspections, 47 improvement notices and five prohibition notices. Inspectors targeted dry cutting, the appropriate use of respiratory protective equipment and health monitoring.

The national engineered stone ban began on 1 July 2024. It prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing at least 1% silica. Engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen benchtops, has been linked to incurable silicosis since 2015.

The health risks also extend to uncontrolled cutting, drilling, polishing and grinding of materials such as granite, tiles, bricks and sandstone. These activities can cause serious illnesses including silicosis, lung disease, lung cancer and kidney disease. The silica safeguards complement the engineered stone ban and the national ban on engineered stone imports.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis reported 115 new silicosis cases and ten deaths from the disease between July 2023 and June 2024, followed by another 23 reported cases from July to September. She said the new requirements, enforcement and education by the silica compliance team, and the importation ban would hopefully reduce those numbers and make workplaces safer.

The enforcement activity follows the government’s April commitment of $5 million for silicosis research and a support program for patients and families dealing with the health risks of silica dust exposure. Administered jointly by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, the funding will go to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute over three years.

The icare Lung Clinic also offers specialised lung health assessments for current and retired workers at risk of workplace dust diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and silicosis. In 2025, its Lung Bus will visit locations across NSW, including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Dubbo, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Newcastle.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said inspectors were educating workplaces and enforcing the new silica regulations. He said they would maintain a zero-tolerance approach to workers’ lives being endangered by exposure to crystalline silica dust.

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