Purpose of strategy
To continue to drive improvements in the workplace management of hazardous dusts and protect workers from harm.
Focus areas
Asbestos
Found extensively in older WA building products, contaminated sites, and naturally occurring in parts of the state.
Around 4,000 deaths per year in Australia are attributed to asbestos related diseases.
Our strategy supports the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management
Silica
Found in natural and engineered stone, cement and concrete. People in building trades, foundries, stonemasons, infrastructure, tunnelling and landscaping roles may be exposed.
There has been a rise in silicosis cases since 2017.
Our strategy supports outcomes of the National Dust Diseases Taskforce report and is intended to reduce excessive silica exposures in WA workers.
Other dusts
Lead, arsenic, nickel and wood are significant hazards in some WA workplaces. Lithium is an increasingly used mineral in WA.
Lead, arsenic and nickel are toxic, and some wood dusts may cause cancer.
Workers in the mining and timber industries may be exposed to these dusts.
Our strategy supports the control of these dusts to prevent chronic illnesses.
Strategic principles
- Awareness and education
- Compliance
- Customer centric service.