In a significant move to protect worker health and safety, the NSW Government has established a new Expert Taskforce focused on addressing silica-related health risks in tunnelling projects across the state.

The Taskforce Initiative

The newly formed Taskforce brings together representatives from government, medical institutions, industry bodies, and unions to provide expert guidance on preventing and managing silica and other dust-related diseases associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.

This initiative comes at a critical time, as major tunnelling projects—essential for the transformation of the state’s civil infrastructure—present heightened risks for silica-related lung diseases.

Four Key Action Areas

The Taskforce will focus on four broad areas to address silica-related health risks:

1. Better Use of Data

• Project businesses must ensure workers have access to workplace air monitoring data
• SafeWork NSW will make exceedance notification data publicly available
• Data will guide regulatory reform
• Partnership between SafeWork NSW and the Dust Diseases Board to establish data-driven research

2. Improved Health Monitoring

• Enhanced monitoring to protect workers’ long-term health and safety
• Implementation of a silica worker register to support improved health tracking
• Continuous improvement process for businesses and regulators in managing silica dust risks

3. Best Practice Work Health and Safety Controls

• SafeWork NSW will review and revise the Tunnels Under Construction Code of Practice
• Major tunnelling businesses will regularly meet to share information and establish consistent best practice benchmarks

4. Enhanced Compliance

• Dedicated resources to monitor tunnelling and silica dust results
• Development of a tunnelling project silica compliance assessment
• Additional staff added to the Silica Task Force (STF) team conducting regular compliance visits to all tunnels under construction in NSW

Industry Impact

For companies in the construction and tunnelling sectors, these measures represent significant changes to operational requirements. The Taskforce’s establishment signals the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with worker health protection.

Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety, emphasized the government’s commitment: “The Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing silica dust work health and safety risks to protect workers. The Taskforce will give the community confidence that we have the right experience and expertise in the same room to guide the response to this risk.“

SafeWork NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin added: “SafeWork NSW is committed to maintaining leading practices to protect the workers of this State and is looking forward to working together with experts across Government, industry, unions and health to address this issue.”

Resources for Employers

For more information:

• On Construction Dust Management Plans: Understanding Construction Dust Management Plans (CDMPs)
• On crystalline silica and new safety requirements: What You Need to Know: Silica Regulation Update

Control Hire: Your Partner in Silica Safety Compliance

As NSW tightens regulations around silica exposure, Control Hire stands ready with comprehensive solutions to help your business maintain compliance and protect your workers.

Proactive Safety Solutions

Don’t wait for inspectors to arrive at your site. Contact Control Hire today for a consultation and discover how our industry-leading expertise can protect your business, your projects, and your workforce.

Our integrated silica safety solutions include:

• Air Quality Monitoring – Made easy with our Real-Time Respirable Silica Dust Monitors that provide immediate alerts when exposure levels approach dangerous thresholds
• Isolate and Encapsulate – Secure high-risk areas with our Mobile Cutting Stations, designed specifically to contain silica dust at the source
• Filter/Extract – Purify the air in your workplace with our range of Air Scrubbers & Fans that remove harmful particles from the environment
• Suppress – Control dust particles in the air with our specialized Fog Lance or Dust Cannon technology
• Custom Air Quality/Ventilation Plans – Receive site-specific ventilation strategies tailored to your unique project requirements

Stay Ahead of Compliance

With SafeWork NSW increasing inspections and the new Expert Taskforce implementing stricter monitoring requirements, now is the time to ensure your tunnelling or construction projects meet all silica safety standards.

Control Hire’s solutions align perfectly with the government’s four action areas, helping you implement data-driven monitoring, best practice controls, and enhanced compliance measures.

NSW Press Release

Control Hire is committed to providing both the latest industry news and comprehensive safety solutions to our clients. Partner with us to protect your workforce and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.