MBV would like to inform members that from 15 May 2022, if you or your workers are carrying out a crystalline silica process or processes, you must identify whether those processes meet the definition of ‘high risk crystalline silica work’.

High risk crystalline silica work is defined as work performed in connection with a crystalline silica process that is reasonably likely to result in:

  1. An airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica that exceeds half the exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica or
  2. A risk to the health of a person at the workplace

You must not perform high risk crystalline silica work unless:

  1. A crystalline silica hazard control statement (CSHCS) is prepared for the work before the work commences and
  2. The work is performed in accordance with that statement

If the high risk crystalline silica work is also classified as high risk construction work under the OHS Regulations (for example, demolition work that generates crystalline silica dust), and a safe work method statement (SWMS) has been prepared for that work that addresses the matters required to be contained within a CSHCS, then a separate CSHCS is not required.

Additional duties for those who manufacturer or supply products containing crystalline silica also came into effect from 15 May 2022.

Further information on these new duties mean for you can be found on the WorkSafe website

The following non-statutory guidance has also been published on the WorkSafe website:

From Tuesday 15 November 2022, all businesses working with engineered stone must hold a licence and suppliers cannot supply engineered stone to businesses who require a licence but do not have one. Information on the licencing scheme can be found here.

MBV encourages members to contact us for any OH&S queries or concerns, at [email protected]