Tighter regulations and inspections to protect New South Wales workers from silicosis

The New South Wales government is stepping up efforts to protect workers from the deadly threat of silicosis by deploying more SafeWork inspectors across New South Wales to enforce a new ban on the use of construction stones.

The upcoming ban, which will come into effect from 1 July 2024, will be supported by $2.5 million from the 2024-2025 New South Wales State Budget, ensuring rigorous compliance and enforcement across the state.

The aim of this financial injection is to prevent the use, supply and production of structural stone, as well as to tighten regulations on other materials containing crystalline silica, the government he said in a press release.

Increased compliance efforts will require more inspectors to visit the site and impose penalties on operators who do not comply with the regulations.

Occupational Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis stressed the urgency of the situation: “The previous government was far too slow to respond to this deadly threat. Not only will the Minn. government ban this dangerous product, but the funding in this budget will ensure that the ban and new compliance system actually work to save lives.”

SafeWork New South Wales recently completed a six-month workplace visit program on silica in construction, during which inspectors visited 176 businesses and issued 142 notices.

This proactive approach will be expanded with additional program staff providing educational tools and support to industries impacted by the new regulations.

New notification systems will also be developed for companies processing existing structural stone in homes and workplaces.

The government says silicosis, a devastating lung disease caused by inhaling tiny particles of silica, is becoming more common in the stone industry.

In addition to the $2.5 million for compliance, the government has already provided $5 million for silicosis research and patient support programs through grants from icare and the Dust Diseases Council.

The purpose of this funding is to help individuals and families cope with the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Operating Fund is being used to establish a silica worker registry to track the health of at-risk workers.

Cotsis emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Silicosis is preventable and all workers at risk of silicosis will now be registered so that their health status can be monitored throughout their lives.”

She concluded: “The Minns government is making a priority investment in worker safety because it is the fundamental right of every worker to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.”