Silica dust exposure in the ACT research report

In 2022 WorkSafe ACT engaged ThinkPlace to conduct a research project to explore silica dust exposure attitudes, perceptions, and practices within the ACT, with a focus on the construction industry. It builds on an existing baseline of information (including national campaigns and ThinkPlace 2018 research Exploring dust exposure in the stone industry) to identify movements and shifts in the industry.

Through the research ThinkPlace spoke to over 30 different stakeholders in hour long interviews including workers, safety officers, clients, business owners and more. We found a range of challenges, attitudes, and practices towards silica safety in the industry.

Some of the Key findings identified in the research include:

• Awareness of the harmful nature of silica dust is widely known in the construction industry.
• The silica risk present in a profession increased their knowledge and awareness of silica
• Access to and awareness of how to properly use safety equipment was a large determinate on how safe a construction worker is at their workplace.
• The understanding of, and the safety behaviour towards, silica dust risks in the ACT construction

The awareness of the dangers of silica in ACT sites have increased significantly in the past 5-10 years. While there are different levels of understanding of and appreciation for risks, most workers are aware that silica dust is dangerous to their health. This is an important baseline that will help any interventions and regulatory changes into the future.

The research has highlighted multiple areas that could be targeted by interventions, including through education and enforcement. This may be actively pursuing the cohorts and professions that have the lowest level of compliance, or by increasing communications and messaging to educate people more widely on correct safety procedures.

This report has shown a snapshot of the current state of silica dust safety perceptions, awareness and practices across ACT construction sites and should inform future decisions and initiatives that aim to reduce the harm of silica dust.