Thousands of workers on major infrastructure projects in Sydney have been exposed to dangerously high levels of silica dust for at least seven years. Despite warnings from regulators, questions remain about the extent of action taken to protect worker health.
Thousands of workers on major road and rail projects in Sydney have been exposed to high levels of deadly silica dust for at least seven years. SafeWork NSW, Transport for NSW, iCare, and contractors CPB and Lendlease have been aware of the dangers since early 2018, according to documents released under a NSW parliamentary order. SafeWork, the workplace health and safety regulator, warned of compliance action to ensure worker safety .
However, questions remain about what action was taken against companies to prioritize workers' health. Air Quality Working Group (AQWG) meeting minutes from April 12, 2018, reveal the seriousness of the issue, noting high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. SafeWork sought to suppress the release of air quality testing data in 2018, siding with companies concerned about reputational damage. The meeting minutes show a need to identify ways to reduce exposure, with a focus on tasks that could make the biggest impact
Silica Dust Worker Safety Sydney Tunneling Construction Industry Health Risks
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sydney Metro Workers Exposed to Deadly Silica Dust LevelsWorkers on Sydney’s transport projects have been exposed to dangerous levels of crystalline silica dust, with tests revealing one in three air-quality checks exceeded legal limits. The highest exposure was 208 times above workplace safety standards. SafeWork NSW is withholding further air-quality results.
Read more »
Sydney’s insatiable ‘dial-a-dealer’ appetite exposed as 650 bags of coke seizedMore than 100 people have been charged and 650 bags of cocaine have been seized related to 'dial-a-dealer' operations being run in Sydney over the past three weeks.
Read more »
Sydney Ice Dogs, Sydney Bears withdraw from 2025 Australian Ice Hockey LeagueA rink renovation has caused both Sydney teams in the national league to withdraw from the 2025 season, prompting calls for more investment to bolster the number of appropriate rinks for professional play.
Read more »
Western Sydney Coca-Cola factory workers strike over pay disparity with Pepsi, threatening Christmas supply7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Sydney rail workers offer to drop industrial actionRail unions vowed in a late-night peace offering to cease its action if the NSW government drops its legal case against them and offers free fares.
Read more »
Rail Workers Resume Action in Sydney, Disrupting Train ServicesThousands of rail workers in Sydney will immediately resume industrial action, causing major disruptions to train services. The federal court dismissed the state government's case to block work bans, effectively bringing forward planned industrial action originally scheduled for December 28. This raises concerns about severe disruptions to rail services on New Year's Eve, a peak travel day.
Read more »