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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Information about research into lowering the workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis/research-lower-workplace-exposure-standard-and-short-term-exposure-limit-respirable-crystalline-silica

This report investigates whether a short term exposure limit (STEL) should be implemented to complement the workplace exposure standard (WES) of 0.05 mg/m3 for respirable crystalline silica.

/doc/report-short-term-exposure-limit-respirable-crystalline-silica

This report investigates the challenges of measuring airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica in Australian workplaces at and below 0.02 mg/m3.

/doc/report-measuring-respirable-crystalline-silica

Silica is silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring and widely abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soils. Crystalline silica dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause illness and disease.

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If you work with engineered stone, you are at risk of exposure to silica dust.
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An information sheet about silicosis including the symptoms, causes and risk factors as well as information for persons conducting a business on undertaking on how to manage these risks at work.

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The eight-hour time weighted average workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is 0.05 mg/m3.

/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis/workplace-exposure-standard-respirable-crystalline-silica

Occupational lung diseases are work-related diseases of the respiratory system. Lung diseases can develop rapidly or develop many years after the first exposure to a particular hazard. Some can also lead to cancer.

/safety-topic/hazards/occupational-lung-diseases

This page provides information for PCBUs and workers about crystalline silica and some of the legal duties relating to protecting workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). 

/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis

An information sheet for Health and Safety Representatives on how to consult with workers and identify hazards to protect workers’ health and safety and prevent occupational lung diseases. Available in .docx and .PDF formats. 

/doc/health-and-safety-representatives-occupational-lung-diseases-information-sheet
An infographic which details the main types of occupational lung diseases to provide a quick overview of these conditions.
/doc/what-are-occupational-lung-diseases
Information in Greek about occupational lung diseases in the construction industry.
/doc/construction-breathing-hazardous-air-work-greek
An information sheet for engineered stone workers which outlines the process for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to manage risks and implement control measures at work to help protect workers from developing an occupational lung disease.
/doc/manage-risks-engineered-stone-information-sheet
An information sheet for engineered stone workers which outlines the process for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to identify hazards at work and help protect workers from developing an occupational lung disease.
/doc/identify-hazards-engineered-stone-information-sheet
A useful checklist for engineered stone workers which outlines the steps and process for identifying hazards at your workplace to help protect workers from developing and occupational lung disease.
/doc/identify-hazards-engineered-stone-checklist
The guide provides registered medical practitioners with practical guidance on requirements under the model work health and safety laws for health monitoring of workers exposed to crystalline silica.
/doc/health-monitoring-crystalline-silica