Safe Work Australia has proposed a 50% reduction in the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) from 0.05 mg/m³ to 0.025 mg/m³. In October 2024, as part of the review of revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for various hazardous chemicals, WHS ministers requested further impact analysis before deciding whether to adopt the updated RCS limit.
Respirable Crystalline Silica
This proposed reduction will require significant enhancements in RCS exposure controls across NSW coal mines to ensure compliance.
In addition, in September 2024, Safe Work Australia published amendments to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations aimed at strengthening protections for workers at risk of silica dust exposure across all industries.
Coal Services and the Standing Dust Committee remain committed to supporting the NSW coal industry in reducing RCS exposure levels and promoting safer workplaces.
Further information is available at the following links:
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