New National Silica Code: What You Need to Know

On 29 August 2025, Safe Work Australia published a new model Code of Practice: Managing risks of respirable crystalline silica. This release is the latest step in tightening controls around silica exposure — a hazard that continues to cause preventable disease and death across multiple industries.

Why This Matters

Respirable crystalline silica is not just a problem in engineered stone. It’s found in construction, tunnelling, quarrying, and even common building materials. Long-term exposure can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory diseases. Regulators have been ramping up pressure for years, and this model code sharpens the expectations on duty holders.

I’ll add this: I have personally never seen such swift movement and development of bans and codes in my career as I have for silica. The pace of regulatory change is unlike anything in recent memory.

Key Points from the Code

• Risk management framework: PCBUs must identify, assess, and control silica exposure risks, consistent with the WHS Regulations.

• Control measures: Engineering controls (like water suppression and ventilation) are prioritised over administrative controls and PPE.

• Air monitoring and health monitoring: Clear guidance on when monitoring is required, and how results should be actioned.

• Worker training and consultation: Duty holders must ensure workers understand the risks and the control measures in place.

• Broader application: The Code applies to a wide range of industries beyond engineered stone.

Jurisdictional Adoption

It’s important to note: model codes are not law until adopted by individual states and territories (watch Queensland). Each jurisdiction will decide whether to approve, amend, or replace the code. For now, it stands as a clear marker of where national policy is heading. Businesses would be wise to align early.

Practical Takeaways

1. Audit your silica risk profile now — not just engineered stone, but all work involving cutting, drilling, blasting, or grinding.

2. Check your controls against the hierarchy: are you relying too heavily on PPE where engineering controls are possible?

3. Review health monitoring arrangements: are your trigger points and follow-up processes robust?

4. Train and consult workers: awareness is part of compliance, not an optional extra.

5. Stay alert for state announcements: track when your jurisdiction formally adopts the model code.

Final Word

The new silica Code of Practice is more than another guidance document. It reflects the clear direction of national policy: tighter controls, earlier intervention, and stronger accountability for businesses. Whether or not your jurisdiction has signed on yet, the expectation is that you act.