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NSW Launches Silica Worker Register to Strengthen Dust Safety

Industry Insights

Australia has seen growing concern over silica dust exposure, especially in construction, tunnelling, and manufacturing.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a new measure to improve how worker health is monitored in these high-risk environments. The Silica Worker Register (SWR), launched under the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, is designed to track and protect workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica.

What the New Silica Worker Register Means for Businesses

Under the new regulation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must register all workers involved in high-risk crystalline silica substance (CSS) processing. Registration must occur as soon as reasonably practical and within 28 days of a worker starting in that role.

High-risk processing covers activities such as cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing, all of which can release fine crystalline silica dust. This requirement applies to a range of industries where exposure to silica dust remains a concern, including tunnelling, mining, manufacturing, and construction.

How the Register Protects Workers’ Health

Silica dust may be invisible to the naked eye, but its effects can be devastating. Once inhaled, fine particles can become trapped deep in the lungs, leading to irreversible scarring and respiratory disease.

Since 2017, 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths have been recorded in NSW alone. SafeWork NSW inspectors have carried out more than 5,200 workplace visits and issued more than 2,400 improvement notices for silica-related issues.

By introducing the Silica Worker Register, the government aims to improve early detection and prevention. The register formally records at-risk workers so their health can be tracked over time, allowing early signs of silica-related illness to be identified and addressed before they progress. The data collected will also help pinpoint high-risk worksites, guide health screening programs, and ensure that those affected receive medical attention as soon as possible.

Part of a Broader Push for Dust Disease Prevention

The Silica Worker Register is a part of a wider strategy to eliminate dust-related diseases. Other recent initiatives include the following:

• From 1 January 2025, NSW implemented a statewide ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs that contain 1 per cent or more crystalline silica.
• The Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce brings together experts from government, medical, union and industry sectors to manage silica risks across major tunnelling projects.
• A dedicated Silica Unit has been established within SafeWork NSW to conduct proactive site inspections and enforce compliance.
• The government has allocated $5 million in research and support funding to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) through icare and the Dust Diseases Board.
• The Lung Bus initiative continues to provide mobile lung health assessments for workers across NSW.

How Industry Can Strengthen Compliance and Protection

Compliance is only the starting point. Effective silica management requires ongoing systems that control dust where it starts and protect workers throughout the process.

Organisations can strengthen their safety approach by:

• Keeping detailed worker records and submitting them to the Silica Worker Register within the required timeframe
• Conducting regular health monitoring
• Providing training on dust exposure awareness
• Maintaining reliable on-site controls such as dust extraction, ventilation, and water suppression

Equipment such as DUSTEX systems can assist with on-site dust control, offering solutions for dust extraction, vacuum cleaning, water suppression, dust enclosures and shot blasting. The DUSTEX range is engineered to reduce airborne dust at the source, helping worksites maintain compliance while protecting worker health.

Stay Ahead of Changing Dust Regulations

The introduction of the Silica Worker Register highlights how workplace safety standards are evolving. Data-driven monitoring and long-term health tracking are becoming core parts of compliance.

For businesses operating in high-dust environments, now is the time to review existing safety systems and ensure that every stage of work is supported by effective dust control. Create safer, cleaner worksites by combining proper record-keeping, proactive monitoring, and high-performance dust extraction equipment.