Stronger regulation of crystalline silica substances from 1 September 2024

Bluesafe SWMS and Bluesafe WHS Management Systems bring you the latest in work health and safety amendments. Safe Work Australia announced a significant upgrade to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations with an aim to boost the safety measures for workers threatened by exposure to silica dust. These changes will have a profound repercussion across diverse industries, prominently including building and construction.

The revisions in the rules help manage works connected with materials containing not less than 1% of crystalline silica, hence undeniably reinforcing its regulation. However, take into account that these enhancements to WHS will only be effective in specific jurisdictions once embraced in the local WHS laws. For precise information on how these amendments impact your jurisdiction, always consult with your regional WHS regulator.

To ensure seamless comprehension and acceptance of your obligatory commitments under these revised regulations, Safe Work Australia offers abundant assistance to Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs). The guidance document can streamline the process for PCBUs by elucidating:

  • Pertinent information tailored explicitly towards them.

Supplementary resources prove to be beneficial in decoding the advice into easier, more digestible details. To gather all relevant data about crystalline silica substances, head over to the Be Silica Smart website. If you wish to stay updated about upcoming changes regarding ‘occupational lung diseases’ and crystalline silica substances, subscribe to our emailing list.

Remember, a knowledgeable approach towards WHS management systems, such as Bluesafe SWMS, will contribute significantly to creating a safer working environment. Prioritising work safety policies can ward off major hazards, thus promoting the ethos of ‘Safety First’.


Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/stronger-regulation-crystalline-silica-substances-1-september-2024