A mining company has been convicted and fined for failing to protect workers from exposure to crystalline silica dust.

Sibelco was sentenced in the Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court today after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to provide or maintain plant or systems of work that were safe and without health risks. The company was convicted and fined $200,000 for each charge and also ordered to pay $20,799 in costs.

The court heard it was reasonably practicable for Sibelco to reduce the risk of exposure to crystalline silica dust by having automated bagging and palletising systems in place, including an automated and enclosed bagging machine and the use of a robotic palletiser.

WorkSafe executive health and safety director Sam Jenkin says there was no excuse for putting workers at harm over a prolonged period.

“The risks associated with crystalline silica were well known and the company was also aware of the available measures to better protect their workers,” Sam says.

“Insidious diseases like silicosis do not discriminate so it is critical that employers continuously review and update their systems and processes to ensure they are best practice.”

To manage the risks associated with crystalline silica dust in the extractives industry, duty holders should:

– Consult with workers, including any health and safety representatives, to identify hazards and determine how to control risks.

– Ensure any high-risk crystalline silica work (HRCSW) is identified, recorded and only performed in accordance with a hazard control statement that is up to date and reviewed when necessary.

– Provide information, instruction and training to workers undertaking HRCSW on the associated health risks and the proper use of required control measures, such as appropriate respiratory protective equipment.

– Provide and maintain adequate airborne dust suppression and/or dust extraction ventilation systems.

– Enclose dust-generating sections of plants and/or areas where people are working within purpose-built enclosures.

– Ensure work areas are cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of dust on the plant, equipment, working surfaces or the floor.

– Conduct atmospheric monitoring to ensure the concentration of respirable crystalline silica does not exceed the workplace exposure standard and provide test results to any at-risk worker as soon as reasonably practicable.

– Ensure the health of workers who may be impacted by exposure to crystalline silica is monitored by a registered medical practitioner.

– Ensure the silica content of the quarried material is known, and that this information is passed on to customers.