Crystalline silica and silicosis

This new model code provides practical information on how to manage health and safety risks associated with respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone.

Silica dust is a work health and safety hazard. It is produced when materials or products containing silica such as stone, bricks, concrete or tiles are cut, drilled, polished or ground.

This infographic outlines practical steps to manage the risks of silica dust at work.

In May 2023, Safe Work Australia commissioned the University of Adelaide to undertake a literature review and gap analysis of the scientific evidence to inform recommendations related to the three options for prohibition on the use of engineered stone in Australia.

Safe Work Australia has today published the

Questions and answers about the Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone.

This Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) provides an analysis of the impact of a prohibition on the use of engineered stone under the model WHS laws.

Safe Work Australia has recently finalised two reports for WHS ministers recommending regulatory changes to manage risks from respirable crystalline silica at work. Both reports were informed by extensive consultation and impact analysis.