All Australian workers who work with silica dust, not just those working engineered stone, will be protected by new laws that come into effect today Sunday the 1st of September.
While a highly publicised campaign last year led to a ban on so-called 'killer stone' used in kitchens around the country, now another 600,000 workers in sectors as varied as road and rail tunnelling, civil construction, quarries, mines and road maintenance have protection.
The groundbreaking laws means all workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust will be able to demand multiple safety control measures such as PPE, water suppression, on-tool extraction systems, and local exhaust ventilation systems.
If the work is high risk workers can demand a silica risk control plan from their employer, which will require work to cease if not followed.
Companies will be fined if in breach of these provisions.
There is also a training requirement for workers.
Workplace safety ministers from all of the nation's states and territories met earlier this year and agreed to the new laws, which have already been in place in Victoria for some time.
Paul Farrow, Australian Workers' Union National Secretary, says he's proud the union's fight to protect workers in these sectors has paid off.
"There are over 600,000 workers exposed to deadly crystalline silica dust, engineered stone benchtops are only part of the story," said Mr Farrow.
"We welcome state and territory ministers' action on this in conjunction with Safe Work Australia to protect workers from silica dust.
"For years, the AWU has been campaigning for legislation to protect workers, this dust is present in hundreds of worksites across Australia and employers have turned a blind eye to the health and safety of their workers.
"We have members right now in our nation's major cities and regional areas building crucial public infrastructure for Australians to enjoy, now these hard working men and women can enjoy protections at work against this deadly dust.
"The AWU is urging state governments to adequately resource safety regulators to police the new regulations.
"The AWU will be actively fighting to ensure employers are following the rules from day one.
"The AWU is looking for a dust up with anyone that does not take silica standards seriously going forward," said Mr Farrow.
