Silica Dust Safety: Protect Workers with Strong WHS Controls

Silica dust is a significant work health and safety (WHS) hazard. It is generated when materials containing silica – such as engineered and natural stone, bricks, concrete, tiles and some composites – are cut, drilled, polished, ground or otherwise disturbed.

The particles of respirable crystalline silica can be extremely fine, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term or high-level exposure can lead to permanent and often fatal health conditions, including silicosis, lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases.

Workers in a wide range of sectors can be exposed to silica dust, including construction, manufacturing, tunnelling, demolition, mining, quarrying and stonemasonry. Any task that disturbs silica-containing materials must be carefully assessed and managed under your WHS obligations.

Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a legal duty to eliminate or, where that is not reasonably practicable, minimise health and safety risks associated with silica dust. This includes implementing effective controls such as dust suppression, local exhaust ventilation, appropriate respiratory protective equipment, health monitoring and worker training. A structured WHS management system, supported by clear policies and safe work method statements (SWMS), can help ensure these controls are applied consistently and reviewed regularly. Suitable WHS management system templates are available from specialist providers such as Bluesafe.

Workers also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and to follow workplace policies, procedures and SWMS related to silica dust control, including correct use of PPE and dust control equipment.

Specific WHS regulations apply where materials contain 1% or more crystalline silica. The model Code of Practice: Managing risks of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace outlines how PCBUs can identify silica hazards, assess exposure risks and implement appropriate control measures. It also sets out requirements for air monitoring, health monitoring and consultation with workers and health and safety representatives.

The Be Silica Smart web page provides practical resources to support compliance and improve on-the-ground safety outcomes. Available materials include fact sheets, guidance documents and posters that explain how silica dust is generated, what controls should be in place, and how to use equipment and PPE correctly.

To support Australia’s diverse workforce, Be Silica Smart resources are provided in multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Hazaragi. This helps ensure that critical WHS messages about silica dust are accessible to workers, supervisors and PCBUs across different workplaces.

For detailed information on workplace exposure to silica dust and to access the full range of guidance materials, visit the Be Silica Smart web page at swa.gov.au/clearlungs.

Be Silica Smart is delivered in partnership with the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, which provides national information and guidance on managing silica risks. Integrating this guidance into your WHS management system, policies and SWMS is an effective way to strengthen compliance and protect workers from preventable, life-threatening disease.