Leading Workers Rights Law Firm Welcomes NSW Government Silicia Worker Register
Leading law firm Slater and Gordon has welcomed the Minns Government’s launch of the new Silica Worker Register (SWR). The register is a significant step toward protecting workers amid the concerning rise in silica-related diagnoses.
Nicole Valenti, Practice Leader in Asbestos and Dust Diseases at Slater and Gordon, said that the Register is vital in safeguarding workers, as well as raising public awareness around dust-related diseases.
“Many people don’t realise how devastating dust-related conditions can be. Silica dust remains a very real risk for hundreds of thousands of workers across Australia, and proper protections and monitoring are more important than ever,” Ms Valenti said.
According to a 2024 report by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, almost 600,000 Australians are occupationally exposed to silica dust. Workers in mining, construction, tunnelling, and engineered stone industries are at greatest risk.
“These figures show just how widespread the risk is for workers across multiple industries. The launch of the Silica Worker Register is welcome, but it is not the end of the fight. Employers must continue to take every precaution to protect workers’ health,” Ms Valenti said.
Under the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, employers will be required to register all workers engaged in high-risk crystalline silica substance (CSS) processing as soon as reasonably practical, and no later than 28 days after the worker commences work.
A 2025 Monash University study found that during the most recent eight-year period, the median age of people diagnosed with silicosis was just 39 years, compared to 50 years of age in earlier periods.
“Silicosis is no longer a disease affecting only older workers. Recent research shows that younger Australians are increasingly being diagnosed, which is why monitoring and early intervention is so critical.”
“Workers who have been exposed to silica dust and are experiencing health issues should know there may be legal avenues available to them. If you think you may have been affected, you could have a right to pursue a compensation claim”, Ms Valenti said.
