Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Western Australian Construction

What it is

Western Australia adopted the national crystalline silica regulatory reforms through amendments to the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA) commencing 1 September 2024. WorkSafe WA (now within Building and Energy) enforces the framework.

The framework

Regulations 529CA to 529CD of the WHS (General) Regulations 2022 (WA) set 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, hazards, controls and monitoring approach.

Air and health monitoring

Air monitoring is required where exposure cannot be verified as below 0.05 mg/m3 (workplace exposure standard). Health monitoring includes baseline assessments, chest x-rays and respiratory function tests.

Engineered stone ban

The 1 July 2024 national engineered stone ban applies in Western Australia.

Interaction with section 30A industrial manslaughter

Silica-related deaths caused by PCBU or senior officer conduct can be prosecuted under section 30A industrial manslaughter (from 31 March 2022). WA's knowledge element threshold applies.

Interaction with builder registration

Silica framework breaches by a WA registered builder can trigger Building Services Board disciplinary action. Building and Energy administers both frameworks from 1 July 2025.

Distinctive WA context

The WA framework applies in parallel with the reg 292 headcount-based construction project trigger (5 or more persons). That combination means principal contractor duties can attach at relatively small residential sites.

How Western Australia compares

WA's 1 September 2024 reforms align with the national timeline. Regulation numbering matches NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.

TradeForm WA templates include silica risk control plan templates coordinated with builder registration compliance monitoring under Building and Energy oversight.