Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Queensland Construction

What it is

Queensland adopted the national crystalline silica regulatory reforms through amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) commencing 1 September 2024. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland enforces the framework.

The framework

Regulation 529CA to 529CD of the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) sets the crystalline silica control requirements. High-risk processes include cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding or polishing crystalline silica substances containing more than 1 per cent crystalline silica.

Silica risk control plan

A PCBU must prepare a written silica risk control plan for any high-risk crystalline silica process. The plan identifies the process, exposure hazards, controls and monitoring. Review is required regularly and after any incident or exposure event.

Air and health monitoring

Air monitoring is required where the PCBU cannot verify exposure is below 0.05 mg/m3 (workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica). Health monitoring for exposed workers includes baseline assessments, chest x-rays and respiratory function tests.

Engineered stone ban interaction

The 1 July 2024 national engineered stone ban applies in Queensland. Manufacturing, supplying, processing and installing engineered stone containing crystalline silica is prohibited.

Interaction with section 34C industrial manslaughter

Silica-related deaths caused by PCBU or senior officer conduct can be prosecuted under section 34C industrial manslaughter (from 23 October 2017). Non-compliance with the silica framework is treated by prosecutors as evidence of negligence.

Interaction with QBCC licensing

Silica framework breaches by a QBCC-licensed builder can trigger licensing disciplinary action under Part 6 of the QBCC Act 1991 (Qld). Repeat non-compliance can contribute to demerit points and disqualification.

How Queensland compares

QLD's 1 September 2024 reforms align with the national timeline. Regulation numbering (reg 529CA-CD) matches NSW, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT. Victoria uses OHS Regulations 2017 Part 4.4A.

TradeForm QLD templates include silica risk control plan templates and coordinate with QBCC licensing compliance monitoring.