Australia has introduced sweeping reforms to better protect workers from the risks of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). These changes affect demolition, construction, remediation, and concrete works — industries where Perfect Group operates daily.
Below is a summary of the key updates, what they mean for your projects, and how our team is adapting.
1. National Reforms – Effective 1 September 2024
- New model WHS Regulations for managing RCS commenced on 1 September 2024 across most jurisdictions.
- Duties include identifying high-risk crystalline silica processes, completing risk assessments, and implementing stronger control measures.
- Employers must prepare a Silica Risk Control Plan (SRCP) before any high-risk task begins.
2. Ban on Engineered Stone
- From 1 July 2024, the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone is banned in every state and territory.
- From 1 January 2025, the importation of engineered stone is also prohibited.
- Note: Porcelain, sintered stone, and natural stone (granite, concrete, etc.) are not covered by this ban.
3. NSW-Specific Requirements – Effective 1 October 2025
- NSW has gone further with unique obligations:
- Silica Worker Register – PCBUs must register workers engaged in high-risk silica processing within 28 days of commencing the work.
- Mandatory sharing of health and safety information with workers and regulators.
- These changes apply from 1 October 2025.
4. Stricter Exposure Standards
- The workplace exposure standard for RCS is 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
- Employers must ensure exposures are at or below this level and kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
- Regular air monitoring may be required to demonstrate compliance.
5. Health Monitoring
- Mandatory health monitoring is required for workers performing high-risk crystalline silica tasks.
- This includes lung function testing, with HRCT scans required where directed by a medical practitioner or jurisdictional rules.
- Records must be securely kept and provided to the regulator when requested.
6. What This Means for You
- Builders, subcontractors, and clients must ensure that silica risks are controlled in line with the new law.
- Projects involving demolition, cutting, grinding, drilling, or blasting concrete now require documented silica management plans.
- Worker training, PPE, and ongoing health monitoring are not optional — they are legal duties.
Perfect Group’s Response
At Perfect Group, safety comes first. Our teams are already:
- Updating all risk assessments and SRCPs for current and upcoming projects.
- Training supervisors and crews on the new legislative requirements.
- Preparing for the NSW Silica Worker Register obligations from 1 October 2025.
- Working with clients to ensure projects remain fully compliant with Australian WHS laws.
The silica reforms represent one of the most significant WHS changes in recent years. They demand greater accountability, transparency, and monitoring from every contractor.
By getting ahead of these changes, Perfect Group continues to protect workers, deliver compliant projects, and support clients with the highest standards of safety and performance.
Perfect Contracting acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander people as Traditional Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians and Elders past, present and future, and honour their connection to the land and ongoing contribution to society.