From today, the Managing the Risks of Airborne Crystalline Silica (Silica Dust) in the Workplace Code of Practice comes into effect.
Exposure to silica dust can cause lung cancer, silicosis (scarring and stiffening of the lungs), kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This Code includes information about identifying the hazard, air monitoring, health monitoring, controlling the risks, maintenance of control measures, and safe work method statements (SWMS).
It supports the WHS Regulation 2011 and provides information for duty holders on what unsafe practices might look like, what control measures must be used to prevent exposure to silica dust, and what training workers must complete.
WorkSafe ACT says the new legislation supports their commitment to tackle exposure to silica dust, and provides duty holders and workers with all they need to know to comply.
“We continue to see non-compliance, with failures to protect workers from silica dust,” Work Health and Safety (WHS) Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said. “This Code provides businesses with information about what must be done to comply.”
WorkSafe ACT has trained its inspectors, and formed an Occupational Hygiene team that focuses on workplaces that deal with engineered stone and silica containing materials.
Ms Agius said she was passionate about protecting all workers from silica, and wants duty holders to understand just how dangerous silica dust is.
“We must take a stand; take action; and use the new Code of Practice to ensure workers are protected from silica dust that comes from all materials – not just engineered stone, but also materials like concrete and bricks and other natural stones.
“Duty holders in the ACT have had a grace period to put in place controls, to get their workers trained and to comply with their obligations, and that ended some time ago.
“I have made it very clear that workers MUST be protected from the risks of silica dust, and WorkSafe ACT inspectors will continue to be out in force and respond to any reports of dry cutting or non-compliance.”
Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, said on the weekend that the ACT wants a total ban on engineered stone, which Safe Work Australia says can expose people to silica dust. The issue will be discussed at the next meeting of state and federal workplace ministers next month.
Ms Agius welcomes the ACT Government’s position.
“We can and must prevent exposure,” she said. “Using engineered stone is a choice. We do not need to use it. I have stated previously my position on banning this product, and I applaud the ACT Government and Minister Gentleman for supporting a national ban.”
