WorkSafe ACT Begins Enforcing The Code of Practice for Managing Silica Dust in the Workplace

This Code supports WorkSafe ACT’s commitment to tackle exposure to silica dust and provides duty holders and workers with all they need to know to comply. The Code includes information about identifying the hazard, air monitoring, health monitoring, controlling the risks, maintenance of control measures and safe work method statements (SWMS).

WorkSafe ACT has upskilled its inspectors and formed a dedicated Occupational Hygiene team that has focussed on workplaces that work with engineered stone and silica containing materials. Work Health and Safety (WHS) Commissioner Jacqueline Agius is passionate about protecting all workers from exposures to silica and wants duty holders to understand just how dangerous silica dust is and welcomes this Code at such a critical time:

“We continue to see non-compliance, with failures to protect workers from silica dust. This Code provides businesses with information about what must be done to comply. 

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.”

The Code of Practice 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.

However, elimination of the hazard is the first principle of protecting workers and Commissioner Agius welcomes the ACT Government’s position about banning engineered stone products.

“We can and must prevent exposure. 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.”

Statement ends.

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