Be Silica Smart when working with silica
Safe Work Australia's 'Be Silica Smart' campaign highlights workplace silica dust exposure risks for construction and trades workers. Silica dust causes serious lung disease and is a major hazard on worksites.
What do tradies need to know about silica dust safety rules on the worksite?
Builders, tilers, stonemasons and concreters face daily silica exposure. Non-compliance with silica controls can lead to fines, shutdowns or health liability.
Key takeaways
- Safe Work Australia is running a 'Be Silica Smart' campaign targeting construction and trades workers.
- Silica dust exposure is a serious health risk that can cause irreversible lung disease.
- Trades workers cutting, grinding or drilling stone, concrete or brick face the highest exposure risk.
- Employers and workers must follow silica dust control measures to stay legally compliant.
Related
Consultation Draft National Silica-Related Diseases Research Strategy
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has submitted a response to the Consultation Draft National Silica-Related Diseases Research Strategy. The article gives no detail on what the response says or what the draft strategy proposes.
Why it matters: Silica dust affects builders, carpenters and others who cut or grind concrete, bricks and engineered stone. Any national research strategy could eventually shape workplace safety rules and site practices.
Turning conversations into action as we wrap up National Safe Work Month
Safe Work Australia has wrapped up National Safe Work Month 2026 with a week 4 focus on turning workplace safety conversations into action. The article gives no specific measures, figures or deadlines.
Why it matters: Applies to all trades, including builders, electricians and plumbers, as a reminder to act on safety discussions on site. The article lists no new rules or requirements.
APVMA consideration of phosphine product labels following introduction of a reduced workplace exposure limit
The APVMA and Safe Work Australia issued a joint statement on phosphine product labels. It follows the introduction of a reduced workplace exposure limit (WEL) for phosphine. The statement does not give further detail in the text provided.
Why it matters: Pest controllers and fumigators who use phosphine may need to change how they handle it as labels and exposure limits are reviewed. Builders and other trades working near fumigated sites could also be affected.