Crystalline Silica Dust is said to be a bigger problem than asbestos.
What is silica dust?
Silica dust (crystalline silica) is found in some stone, rock, sand, gravel and clay. The most common form is quartz. Silica dust can also be found in the following products:
• bricks
• tiles
• concrete
• some plastic material.
When these materials are worked on, silica is released as a fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.
Today, all States and Territories in Australia have work health and safety laws that explain duty of care for employers and workers’ responsibilities.