Are You Working Safely with Silica?
What Bricklaying Contractors Need to Know in 2026
If you work with crystalline silica substances and products, the start of a new year is the perfect time to review your systems of work and make sure your business is meeting its legal obligations.
For the brick and block laying industry, safety is not just compliance — it is about protecting the long-term health of our workforce and maintaining the professional standards expected across the construction sector.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a serious workplace hazard. When materials containing silica are cut, drilled, ground or processed without effective controls, workers can be exposed to fine dust that can cause life-threatening diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer.
For bricklaying contractors Australia-wide, taking proactive steps now will help protect workers and demonstrate strong safety leadership.
Key Safety and Compliance Checks for Bricklaying Contractors
As part of your annual safety review, bricklaying contractors should ensure the following actions are up to date:
✔ Review Your Silica Risk Control Plans
Employers must have safety controls in place to protect workers from crystalline silica exposure and manage
risks appropriately.
✔ Register Workers Undertaking High-Risk Silica Processing
From October 2025, PCBUs must register workers performing high-risk crystalline silica processing on the
Silica Worker Register within 28 days of starting the work.
High-risk processing includes activities such as cutting, grinding or drilling silica-containing materials where
there is a likely risk to health.
✔ Ensure Workers Complete Approved Silica Training
Employers must provide approved silica training to workers involved in high-risk processing or who are at risk
of exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust.
✔ Check Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Fit Testing
Fit testing ensures respiratory protection is effective and properly matched to the worker. Regular review of
RPE is essential when working in environments where silica dust is present.
✔ Book Health Monitoring for At-Risk Workers
If workers face a significant risk from silica exposure, employers must provide health monitoring. Screening
may include respiratory testing and chest imaging and should be conducted by qualified medical
professionals.
Best practice is ongoing monitoring, often recommended annually for high-risk workers.
CEO Safety Leadership Message (Industry Voice)
At Bricklayer Contractors Australia, we believe strong safety systems protect not only workers but also businesses and the future of the brick and block laying industry.
By maintaining best practice silica controls, Bricklayer Contractors Australia can demonstrate leadership, professionalism and commitment to worker wellbeing. Compliance is not just a legal obligation — it is a core part of building a sustainable and respected industry.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Workforce
Working with crystalline silica can be hazardous, but there are practical, achievable steps businesses can take, including:
- Implementing dust suppression and extraction systems
- Using appropriate respiratory protection
- Providing ongoing worker training and supervision
- Conducting regular air monitoring and health checks
- Reviewing risk controls whenever work processes change
These actions help ensure workers go home healthy at the end of each day.
Learn More
For more information about working safely with crystalline silica and meeting your obligations, visit the SafeWork NSW website:
👉 news.safework.nsw.gov.au
👉 You can also find details about the silica awareness and safety course run by the Master Builders NSW WHS team: mbansw.asn.au/silica-awareness-safety-course
Final Word
The safety of workers across the Bricklayer Contractors Australia network remains a top priority. By reviewing your silica safety systems now, you help protect workers, strengthen your business, and support the long-term sustainability of the brick and block laying industry.
