About us

PRINT

Silica in the workplace: Training, screening and support available

(01 October 2026)

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) continues to be a major workplace health concern for industries where workers cut, crush, drill, grind or process silica-containing materials. Exposure to airborne silica dust can lead to serious and irreversible health conditions, including silicosis, making effective risk management essential.

The Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC) works with businesses across mining, quarrying and other high-risk industries to support worker health and improve awareness of silica-related risks. Through a range of funded initiatives, businesses can access practical resources designed to help protect workers and strengthen workplace health and safety practices.

Mandatory Crystalline Silica Substances training

MAQOHSC's fully funded mandatory Crystalline Silica Substances Training provides workers, supervisors and employers with practical knowledge about:

  • The health risks associated with silica dust exposure
  • Workplace responsibilities and WHS requirements
  • Identifying silica hazards
  • Exposure control measures and safe work practices
  • Respiratory protection
  • Ongoing risk management strategies.

The training is designed to help workplaces build awareness and implement effective control measures to reduce exposure to silica dust.

Worker Lung Check program

Eligible workers may also be able to access free lung screening through the Worker Lung Check program. Eligibility can be assessed at www.workerlungcheck.sa.gov.au.

The program assists with the early detection of silicosis and other occupational lung diseases and includes:

  • Occupational and respiratory health assessment
  • Lung function testing
  • High-resolution chest CT scan
  • Specialist review where required.

Early detection can be critical in protecting long-term health outcomes and supporting workers who may have been exposed to hazardous dusts during their working life.

For employers, encouraging participation in lung screening demonstrates a commitment to worker wellbeing and forms part of a proactive approach to managing occupational health risks.

Supporting workplaces beyond training and screening

In addition to training and lung screening, MAQOHSC can provide information and guidance on broader approaches to dust risk management, including health monitoring requirements, exposure and respiratory protective equipment programs.

Whether your business is reviewing existing silica management systems or looking to better understand available controls, our team can help point you in the right direction.

Take the next step

Protecting workers from silica exposure starts with understanding the risks and taking practical action.

To learn more about free lung screening for eligible workers, visit: www.workerlungcheck.sa.gov.au

To enquire about Crystalline Silica Substances training or discuss silica risk management support, contact MAQOHSC at maqohsc@rtwsa.com.