Australia: New Silicosis Safety Standard in Force

SYDNEY, Australia – A new industry safety standard on silicosis went into effect here late last month, targeting a near-epidemic level of the lung disease among fabrication workers.

The standard, announced by the New South Wales state government, illustrates mitigation efforts for fabrication shops, and also details a chain of responsibility going from surface manufacturers to end-use customers.

The Code of Practice on silica exposure and engineered stone, which took effect on Feb. 25, is currently in effect only in the state of New South Wales (NSW).

However, the state – the largest in the country, including nearly one out of every three Australians – is a leader in acting on silicosis, including the early adoption two years ago of a more-stringent limit of 0.05mg/m³ on crystalline silicate in workplace air.

Engineered-stone fabricators been found to be very vulnerable to silicosis, with a government study confirming that a “substantial increase” of workers in the sector contracting the disease from 2006-2019. Australian media also focused on the debilitating health of fabrication workers due to silicosis.

Eleni Petinos, NSW Minister for Fair Trading and for Small Business, said the code provides employers and workers a “clear understanding of how to safely cut, grind, polish and clean up when working with engineered-stone products.”

The detailed guidance includes illustrations on proper working conditions, as well as regular air and health monitoring for workers.

The code of practice also goes beyond the workplace itself by expanding the list of responsible people and businesses in managing silica dust.

“Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the engineered stone they design and manufacture, is without risks to the health and safety of persons at the workplace or within the vicinity of the workplace,” according to the code.

It also notes that manufacturers “do not have a duty to provide safety data sheets,” although “it is a good practice to make them available.

“If requested, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, give relevant information to users, and provide any amendments or updates to this information.”

Inspectors for SafeWork Australia – the country’s equivalent of OSHA in the United States – recently completed more than 900 compliance visits to 250 NSW engineered-stone businesses in NSW as part of a broader five-year program targeting silica exposure across engineered stone fabrication workplaces, construction and infrastructure worksites.

“We are seeing improvements in compliance and this code will help to support businesses to understand their duties and implement safe work practices to protect workers,” Petinos said. “It’s incredibly important for businesses and their workers to know what hazards exist in their workplace and how to eliminate or manage them.

“Silicosis is a serious and debilitating lung disease that can be fatal.”