While manufactured stone is the leading cause of silicosis, workers can also be exposed to silica dust during tunnelling, demolition and excavation work, or from uncontrolled cutting, grinding and drilling of common building materials including bricks, concrete, sandstone and tiles.
SafeWork NSW inspectors will target these areas to prevent a false sense of security ahead of the coming ban on manufactured stone in NSW.
Inspectors will ensure businesses are compliant with regulations and speak to workers about managing the risk of exposure to silica dust.
Silicosis is a deadly disease that has devastating effects on the lungs and is becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian workers, especially those in the engineered stone industry.
If these notices are not complied with, employers can face penalties of up to A$130,000 (£68,000).
The government also recently passed laws to establish a silica worker register, to track and trace exposed workers and enable early intervention.
“This campaign is to protect workers who may be exposed to the deadly risks of silica dust and will help ensure safer workplaces in NSW,” said minister for work health and safety Sophie Cotsis.
“Exposure to silica dust is an incredibly serious issue for workers in a range of industries and we must learn from the hard lessons of asbestos.”
