As of 1 September 2024, the construction industry faced critical updates to work health and safety regulations pertaining to crystalline silica substances. These new silica safety guidelines bring a significant shift in safety measures, particularly impacting our Tiling and Formwork apprentices and employers. These are two of our trades that frequently handle materials embedded with crystalline silica.
Gold Coast Trades College is committed to supporting our apprentices and employers to find out about policy changes and workplace procedure updates to ensure full compliance and safety on job sites.
So what's changing?
The updated regulations now mandate stringent safety protocols for any work involving crystalline silica substances—materials containing 1% or more crystalline silica. This category includes not just engineered stone but also commonly used construction components such as tiles, bricks, concrete, and various types of natural and artificial stone.
From September, businesses must:
Assess Risk: Determine whether the processing of these materials qualifies as high-risk, potentially jeopardizing workers’ health.
Enhanced Safety Protocols: If a job is assessed as high-risk, additional steps must be taken, including the creation of a silica risk control plan and mandatory training on crystalline silica safety for workers.
Notification Requirements: Notify the relevant state or territory work health and safety (WHS) regulators if engaging in any permitted work involving legacy engineered stone.
How this Affects Tilers and Formworkers
Tilers and formworkers are among the most impacted by these changes due to their frequent interaction with high-silica content materials. Cutting, grinding, and shaping tiles or concrete with power tools can generate substantial silica dust, classifying such processes as high-risk.
Key Implications:
- Increased Training Needs: Workers will need to complete training specific to crystalline silica safety to ensure they understand the risks and proper safety practices.
- Adoption of Silica Risk Control Plans: Businesses will be required to implement comprehensive control measures, such as local exhaust ventilation, water suppression systems, and protective equipment, to minimize dust exposure.
- Regulatory Oversight: The need to inform WHS regulators of high-risk activities involving legacy engineered stone adds another layer of accountability and compliance.
Supporting Your Path to Compliance
Gold Coast Trades College is dedicated to supporting our students, apprentices, and industry professionals by providing up-to-date training programs aligned with these new guidelines. We emphasize hands-on learning that equips tradespeople not just with technical skills but also with comprehensive safety knowledge.
Moving Forward Safely
Understanding and adhering to the new silica safety guidelines is essential for tilers, formworkers, and their employers to maintain safe working conditions and comply with legal requirements. We encourage all professionals to stay informed and proactive about these regulatory shifts.
For those looking to deepen their expertise and readiness, Gold Coast Trades College offers courses and workshops tailored to the current demands of the construction industry, ensuring our community remains skilled, safe, and compliant.
Stay safe and informed. Your health and future depend on it.
