SafeWork NSW audits tunnelling silica management systems

To ensure workers are safe from silica dust exposure, the silica management systems of contractors delivering six construction projects involving tunnels — including the Coffs Harbour Bypass, Snowy 2.0, Sydney Metro West and Western Harbour Tunnel — are being audited by SafeWork NSW’s specialist silica compliance team. With audits continuing until the end of June, inspections will scrutinise the systems that monitor air quality and prevent silica exposure for workers. Included in this are engineering controls, water suppression, ventilation and extraction systems to remove dust, and WHS policies and procedures.

“SafeWork NSW has an active presence in tunnelling projects across NSW including audits of silica management systems and proactive compliance visits to reduce exposure to silica risks and improve worker health and safety,” SafeWork NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin said. “Dangerous exposure to respirable crystalline silica for workers is preventable with the right management systems in place and SafeWork NSW is committed to ensuring tunnelling contractors are complying with safety standards.”

SafeWork NSW — under the Work Health and Safety Act — can issue improvement and prohibition notices where there is non-compliance. SafeWork NSW said a full investigation may also take place, which could lead to prosecution where the evidence supports a breach to the criminal standard. Contractors would be required to foot the bill in instances where a shutdown in production occurs due to compliance failures. “SafeWork NSW will not tolerate endangering worker lives through exposure to deadly silica dust and we are committed to undertaking these audits and inspections and enforcing compliance with work health and safety laws,” Curtin said.

Image credit: iStock.com/PixHouse. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.