A new mandatory silica register will help track workers exposed to harmful crystalline silica dust, aiming to prevent silicosis and improve workplace health monitoring across NSW.
The NSW Government has launched a Silica Worker Register to help track and monitor the health of workers exposed to crystalline silica dust in high-risk jobs. The move is part of a broader response to Australia’s rising rates of silicosis, a serious and incurable occupational lung disease caused by breathing in fine silica particles over time.
Under the new Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, employers will be legally required to register any worker involved in high-risk silica dust exposure within 28 days of them starting work.
A critical step in silicosis prevention
Silicosis cases have been steadily increasing in recent years, particularly among people working with engineered stone and other materials with high levels of crystalline silica. Since 2017, 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths have been reported in NSW alone. Across Australia, nearly 600,000 workers have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), with modelling predicting up to 103,000 future silicosis cases if better protections are not put in place.
The Silica Worker Register NSW is designed to help identify workers early, support health surveillance and prevent the long-term impacts of silica-related diseases. This includes not only silicosis, but also related conditions such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and autoimmune disorders.
What does the Silica Worker Register mean for workplaces?
From 2025, any Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) involved in high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS) must register affected workers. This includes (but is not limited to) activities such as:
- Cutting, grinding or polishing engineered stone
- Drilling or sawing concrete, bricks, or stone
- Tunnelling, excavation or quarrying
- Demolition and dust-generating construction tasks
The Silica Worker Register aims to strengthen workplace health and safety laws by requiring mandatory documentation of exposure. Employers must not only register workers but also provide appropriate health monitoring, ensure compliance with dust control measures, and keep records to support long-term risk management.
As of October 2024:
- 1,112 businesses have already registered
- 1,018 workers are listed on the Silica Worker Register
Workplaces can find out more about the NSW Silica Worker Register here: Register NSW Silica Worker
A coordinated response across government and industry
The register was developed by the NSW Government in collaboration with SafeWork NSW, icare NSW, and supported by the Australian Workers’ Union (NSW Branch).
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, said the register was an essential tool in preventing harm and improving outcomes for workers at risk of silicosis.
“This register is about making sure no worker falls through the cracks. It allows us to track and monitor the health of people exposed to silica dust and ensure their wellbeing is protected now and into the future.”
She added, “Silicosis is a terrible disease, and we know early detection is critical. This register will help keep workers safe and give them access to the care they need, before it’s too late.”
Silica dust risks go beyond benchtops
While engineered stone benchtops have received national attention for their high silica content, many other industries involve dangerous levels of dust exposure. Workers in construction, mining, tunnelling, quarrying, and manufacturing can all be exposed to RCS dust, especially during dry cutting or when working without effective dust suppression.
Without proper health surveillance, silicosis can go unnoticed for years. As there are usually no early symptoms, many workers are only diagnosed with silicosis after significant lung damage has occurred, especially if regular screening is not maintained.
The Silica Worker Register will help prevent this by triggering earlier screening, encouraging occupational history tracking and making it easier for health professionals to follow up on long-term risks.
Supported by ADDRI and national research efforts
The Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), which operates the Silicosis Support Hub, welcomed the register as a practical and much-needed tool to improve early detection.
“We welcome the announcement of the new Silica Worker Register, which will help monitor and track the health of workers in industries with a high risk of silica dust exposure,” ADDRI CEO, Kim Brislane said in a statement.
“This is a serious public health concern, and this register is a crucial step toward improving diagnosis, prevention and care for those affected.”
ADDRI continues to work with governments, unions, researchers and clinicians to advance silicosis research, offer support services, and promote national best practice.
Have you worked with silica dust? Take action now.
Even if you feel well, you could still be at risk. Many workers diagnosed with silicosis had no symptoms at the time of their screening.
If you’ve ever worked with engineered stone, concrete, stone cutting, mining, tunnelling or construction, it’s important to assess your exposure and understand your health options.
Use our free Silicosis Risk Assessment Tool to find out whether you should:
- Book a screening
- Talk to your doctor
- Consider a legal or financial consult
- Learn more about health monitoring requirements
It’s quick, free, and could help protect your future health.
Find more information about the Silicosis Risk Assessment and what to do if you’ve been exposed to silica dust here.
