Model WHS Laws

We created the model WHS laws in 2011.

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WHS laws in your jurisdiction

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Data and Research

We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation.

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Resources and Publications

We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics.

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Read our Codes of Practice

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The manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is banned in Australia. 

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This template is designed to help document details of any processing of a crystalline silica substance that is high risk, and the control measures used to manage the risks.

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PCBUs intending to process a crystalline silica substance must assess and document if the processing of a crystalline silica substance is high risk, before commencing work. This template is designed to help document this assessment.  

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Case studies of how to assess if the processing of crystalline silica substances is high risk and examples of appropriate control measures to manage the risks. 

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Guidance to assist PCBUs to comply with their requirements under the WHS Regulations to maintain respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to minimise the risk of respirable crystalline silica exposure. 

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A checklist designed to assist PCBUs to comply with their requirements under the WHS Regulations to evaluate a respiratory protective equipment (RPE) program.

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Guidance about the process for obtaining an exemption from the engineered stone prohibition to carry out work involving the manufacture, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs.

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Examples of permitted work with legacy engineered stone and a summary of WHS duties.

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This model Code of Practice provides practical guidance on how to comply with WHS duties to manage risks of working with respirable crystalline silica in the workplace. It is primarily intended for PCBUs. 

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Persons carrying out a business or undertaking (PCBUs), such as employers, have a primary duty of care for the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.

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Learn about the risks of silica and keeping workers safe.

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Safe Work Australia (SWA) is consulting on the engineered stone ban to inform a review of its operation.

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Safe Work Australia has published amendments to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations which will strengthen protections for workers at risk of exposure to silica dust across all industries, including buildin

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For more information see

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Where to go for more information about the engineered stone ban and your WHS obligations.

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For more information see

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The infographic provides information about what is and isn’t included as part of the engineered stone ban.

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A flowchart of the process PCBUs must follow to notify WHS regulators of work involving legacy engineered stone.

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A flowchart of the process PCBUs must follow to apply for an exemption of an engineered stone product.

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This is the model form for PCBUs to notify the relevant WHS regulator when they intend to undertake the repair, minor modification, removal, or disposal of legacy engineered stone (permitted work with legacy engineered stone).

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