Silicosis

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (16 October 2019).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): I have been advised the following:

1. In early 2019, this government, through SafeWork SA, ReturnToWorkSA, the Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC), and SA Health commenced a silicosis prevention campaign.

This coordinated, whole-of-government campaign included:

SafeWork SA inspector audits of workplaces involved in the manufacture and installation of engineered stone benchtops and construction sites that are high risk for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure to ensure compliance with the work health and safety legislation;

SafeWork SA hosted targeted education forums and information dissemination to promote safe systems of work in the engineered stone industry;

SafeWork SA has updated its website to include the newly released Safe Work Australia guide Working with silica and silica containing products. This national guide provides information about controlling the risks of exposure to silica dust when working with silica and products containing silica, such as artificial or engineered (e.g. manufactured) stone products;

Funding was enabled to allow the independent MAQOHSC, who manage the state's silicosis prevention funds, to conduct targeted health assessments of at-risk workers in South Australia for silicosis. It was anticipated that historical exposures in some of these workers may result in disease identification in South Australia, as had been the case in other states.

In anticipation for a potential influx of silicosis claims following the health assessments, ReturnToWork SA established a specialised claims management team so that workers who are diagnosed receive specialised support in understanding the claims process in recognition of the serious nature of the illness.

ReturnToWorkSA trained staff on the medical management/testing protocols of silicosis with support from Adelaide University and Royal Adelaide Hospital specialists.

ReturnToWorkSA provided information to front-line staff in preparation for receiving calls from concerned workers and employers.

ReturnToWorkSA also engaged Corporate Health Group and ACCESS Programs to provide free and confidential employee assistance program counselling service.

In addition, this government, through SafeWork SA, has been working with other states and territories through various workgroups and projects to examine ways to improve worker health monitoring and safe work practices to reduce the risks of exposure.

I can also advise that I have indicated my support for the Safe Work Australia's recommended reduction in the workplace exposure standard (WES) for RCS to a time weighted average (TWA) of 0.05mg/m³ – half the current limit.

2. At this stage, no ban on manufactured stone is being considered in South Australia. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (the WHS Regulations) there is a general duty to control all workplace hazards. In more specific duties, WHS Regulation 49 details that a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace must ensure that no person is exposed to a substance or mixture in airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture.

3. At this stage, no agenda has been established for the WHS ministers' meeting.