Notice from Safework NSW

The NSW Government is introducing reforms to protect workers from silica dust exposure on 1 July 2020.

The reforms include:

• the workplace exposure standard (WES) for silica will be halved to 0.05mg/m3 (time-weighted average 8 hours)
• on-the-spot fines for uncontrolled dry-cutting of manufactured stone
• silicosis will be a notifiable condition. Medical practitioners will be required to notify NSW Health when a diagnosis of silicosis is made and NSW Health will share notifications with NSW workplace health regulators so they can investigate where exposure has occurred in order to protect workers
• penalties will apply to businesses that fail to notify SafeWork NSW of an adverse health monitoring (health screening) report.

There’s still time for manufactured stone businesses to access a $1000 safety rebate, with the scheme closing on 30 June 2020. See the full terms and conditions and application form here.

To learn more about how to protect workers from silica exposure, including upcoming industry events, resources, rebates or to book a workplace visit go to SafeWork NSW or call 13 10 50.