New regulations on silica to come into effect on 1 September

• New regulations to protect workers from the health effects of silica exposure come into effect 1 September
• The regulations follow the Australia-wide ban on engineered stone products that took effect in Western Australia in July
• Cook Government is introducing stronger regulations to protect workers from other products that produce fine crystalline silica dust

New stronger regulations governing the use of silica-containing products in workplaces will come into effect in WA on 1 September.

The regulations recognise the fact that engineered stone is not the only product that can produce fine crystalline silica dust and has the potential to cause harmful exposure to workers when inhaled. Other products that contain the dust include bricks, concrete and tiles.

The regulations will require employers to assess if the work they are doing with materials containing crystalline silica is "high risk work". If it is, employers will need to ensure they have a silica risk control plan in place which confirms the workplace's risk controls to prevent exposure and that workers are trained in these silica risks and controls.

Additionally, workers who are identified as being at risk of developing silicosis due to their work must be provided with regular health monitoring.

The new regulations do not apply to mine sites as similar requirements are already in place for mines in WA.

Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:

"Silicosis is an incurable, debilitating lung disease that can be fatal and is caused by breathing in fine crystalline silica dust.

"These new regulations aim to protect the health of all workers who work with crystalline silica, whether it comes from brick dust, concrete dust or silica dust, from tiles or engineered stone.

"The health and safety of WA workers are among the highest priorities of the Cook Government."