The ACT Government has released the Silica Dust Reforms Action Plan for 2022 to improve work safety and better protect workers from silica dust exposure.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety Mick Gentleman said the plan aims to educate tradespeople and provide clarity to workplaces to ensure obligations and responsibilities are met.
"The Silica Dust Reforms Action Plan provides a clear path for the planned regulatory amendments that will be implemented throughout 2022," Minister Gentleman said.
"Once implemented, these new requirements will provide specific actions for workplaces to ensure the risk of silica dust exposure is prevented or minimised.
"They will also ensure people working with, or in close proximity to, silica dust attend awareness training about the risks, so they are armed with the knowledge to protect themselves and others."
Training is already required in the ACT for asbestos awareness and is an effective regulatory model for educating workers and tradespeople that are at a greater risk of silica dust exposure.
"The changes will be made in two tranches throughout 2022 to allow time for workplaces and workers to adjust," Minister Gentleman said.
"The actions include prohibiting uncontrolled dry cutting of materials containing silica, mandatory silica dust awareness training and strengthened health monitoring requirements.
"The ACT Government is committed to ensuring all Canberrans are safe at work, particularly those who work with hazardous materials like silica dust."
The plan is in line with the ACT Government's commitment under the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly of the ACT to introduce regulations to protect tradespeople from silica dust.
The Silica Dust Reforms Action Plan is now available to view.
