Workers in the manufacturing, mining, quarrying, tunnelling, construction, building or demolition industries could be at risk of exposure to silica, a fine dust which is often generated in workplaces where materials are cut, sanded or drilled. Silica has been linked to silicosis and other lung illnesses, with recent compensation claims made by workers interstate.

Silica or silica dioxide (SiO2) is a very common mineral. It occurs in many materials common on construction sites including sandstone, concrete, brick and engineered / manufactured stone, soil, masonry, rock, granite and landscaping materials. Silica is also known as quartz, tripoli and cristobalite.

Crystalline silica is harmful when respirable-sized dust of less than 10 microns is breathed deep into the lungs, as this can cause lung scarring known as silicosis. 

The inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust is associated with silicosis and other lung illnesses. 

There has been recent media reports about the impact the increased use of composite stone products in kitchens and other household benchtops has had on employees in the stone benchtop cutting industry. It is reported the engineered stone contains high levels of silica and if the stone is cut dry there is a risk of inhaling the silica dust.

Recently silicosis claims have been made by workers in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, who have been making and cutting engineered stone bench tops.

WorkCover Queensland has received 26 workers’ compensation claims for silicosis within the engineered stone benchtop manufacturing industry. Queensland employers have been warned to cease dry cutting of the engineered stone or face enforcement action.

Implications for employers:
As at 11 December 2018 there has not been any silicosis claims made by registered employers to ReturnToWorkSA. It is unclear how many potential workplaces may have exposed employees to silica dust from engineered stone benchtops.

As an employer you have a WHS obligation to manage your employees' exposure to silica. To control the risks of exposure to silica dust the following is recommended:

• Suppress dust with water
• Use appropriate air ventilation and extraction equipment
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including dust masks and air filters
• Isolate areas of the workplace where dust is generated
• Restrict the employees time exposure/rotate employees

There is also other useful information on the ReturnToWorkSA website here

SafeWorkSA also has information on managing silica exposure and offers a free workplace advisory service. To find out, call their Help Centre on 1300 365 255.