Bricklayer contractors, masonry contractors and businesses across Australia’s brick and block industry who undertake high-risk crystalline silica processing activities will need to be aware of new registration requirements under the Silica Worker Register. The register is designed to help identify workers who may require health monitoring due to the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica dust.
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause serious and life-threatening diseases, including silicosis and cancer. These diseases are preventable when appropriate controls, monitoring and health surveillance are in place.
For the brick and block industry, effective silica dust management is essential for protecting bricklayers, apprentices, labourers, subcontractors and other workers who may be exposed during cutting, grinding, drilling or other dust-generating tasks.
Who needs to register workers?
Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking, commonly referred to as PCBUs, must register workers who undertake high-risk silica processing activities. For bricklayers and masonry contractors, this may be relevant where work involves processing materials that contain crystalline silica and where the activity creates a significant risk to worker health.
Workers only need to be registered if they undertake high-risk silica processing work on or after 1 October 2026. Workers who ceased this type of work before that date do not need to be registered.
When must workers be registered?
PCBUs must register each relevant worker within 28 days of the worker commencing high-risk crystalline silica processing work. A worker only needs to be notified to the register once during their employment with the business.
Business information required
From 1 October 2026, PCBUs must provide the following business details to the Silica Worker Register:
- PCBU name
- Australian Business Number
- PCBU contact name
- Contact phone number
- Contact email address
- Registered business address
- Worker’s compensation policy number, if applicable
- Industry type
Worker information required
For each worker undertaking high-risk silica processing activities, PCBUs must provide:
- Worker’s name
- Worker’s phone number
- Worker’s email address
- Worker’s date of birth
- Date the worker commenced processing high-risk crystalline silica substances
- Site address where the worker processes high-risk crystalline silica substances
- Whether the processing work is related to tunnel construction
- Whether a person other than icare was engaged to provide health monitoring for the worker, including that person’s business name and ABN
What should bricklayers and masonry contractors do now?
Bricklayers, masonry contractors and employers in the brick and block industry should begin reviewing their work practices, worker records and health monitoring arrangements before the registration requirements commence. Businesses should also ensure they understand which tasks may be considered high-risk crystalline silica processing and whether their existing controls are adequate.
Practical steps include:
- Identify workers who may undertake high-risk silica processing activities.
- Review work methods for cutting, grinding, drilling, polishing or other dust-generating activities involving silica-containing materials.
- Confirm whether health monitoring is required for relevant workers.
- Ensure worker and business records are accurate and easy to access.
- Prepare a process to register relevant workers within the required 28-day timeframe.
- Review consultation, training, supervision and dust control procedures.
Exemptions and important notes
PCBUs operating in an industry regulated under the Coal Industry Act 2001 will not be required to notify workers to the Silica Worker Register. The register requirements are outlined in the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025.
Key takeaway for members
The Silica Worker Register is another reminder that managing silica risk is not just a compliance issue; it is a critical health and safety responsibility for every bricklayer business, masonry contractor and employer in the brick and block industry. Contractors should prepare early, maintain accurate records and ensure workers who undertake high-risk silica processing activities are identified and monitored appropriately.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and should not be relied on as legal advice. Contractors should review the applicable legislation and SafeWork NSW guidance and seek advice relevant to their circumstances.
