Respirable Crystalline Silica – Understanding Your Risks, Obligations & Controls

Presented by Greencap
Moderated by Phoebe Gane
Speakers: Jason Linford, Julie Sullivan, Jason Green

Crystalline silica is an abundant mineral found in a wide range of materials such as sand, stone, concrete, mortar, glass, ceramic, bricks and engineered stone. Processes such as cutting, crushing, grinding or drilling can generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Occupational or cumulative exposure to RCS can result in serious, debilitating and potentially fatal health effects.

The focus on RCS within the Australian legislative framework has increased significantly in recent years following an increase in the number of workers within the engineered stone industry diagnosed with silicosis, and other RCS related health impacts. Whilst RCS is regulated as a hazardous chemical under the Model WHS Regulations and relevant OHS Regulations, industry-specific Codes of Practice are now coming into force within the various states and territories. For some states and industries, such engineered stone in Queensland, these codes are legally enforceable, whereas other recently published codes (such as the Victorian Compliance Code for Engineered Stone) currently only represent guidance.

The increased legislative focus on the engineered stone industry does, however, highlight the importance of proactive identification, assessment and management of the risks associated with RCS within the construction, infrastructure and resources sectors where there can be high potential for silica exposure.

Join us for this moderated Panel discussion where, using recent case studies and scenarios across numerous industries, we will discuss some of the challenges, complexities and practicalities of effective risk control for RCS. The presentation will also outline the proactive measures employers and PCBUs should be implementing to control RCS risks effectively in the face of increasing legislative governance.