Crystalline silica in construction: what engineers need to know
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a recognised occupational hazard in construction, associated with health risks such as silicosis and lung cancer. This webinar will introduce engineers to practical, evidence-based information on RCS exposure, health effects, and strategies for control. It will include an overview of the Australian regulatory framework, recent developments such as the introduction of crystalline silica regulations, and the responsibilities of designers and constructors under WHS legislation.
The session will cover common construction activities that generate RCS and explore the challenges of managing exposure on site. A key focus will be on the role of engineers in minimising risks through design and planning, including material selection, task sequencing, and specification of control measures. Air monitoring methods will also be discussed, with an explanation of the differences between environmental and personal exposure monitoring. Examples of typical RCS levels from a range of construction activities will help illustrate how exposure can vary. The webinar aims to support engineers in considering RCS risks more effectively as part of their design, planning, and project delivery processes.
This webinar is relevant for site and project engineers involved in building design, civil works, construction supervision and project delivery across all disciplines. It aligns to the Governance and Responsibility competencies of the Construction Engineer Learning and Development Guide.
About the Speaker
Certified Occupational Hygienist, EP Risk Management Pty Ltd
Kate Cole OAM is a certified occupational hygienist dedicated to preventing work-related disease. With expertise in silicosis prevention, her work is shaped by a Winston Churchill Fellowship and experience on major construction and tunnelling projects worldwide. A past President of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, she serves on the NSW Dust Diseases Board, the Asbestos and Silica Safety Eradication Council, and other key committees. For her contributions to workplace health and safety, she received the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia and was in include in the COVID-19 honour roll in the 2022 Australia Day Honours. Kate now works as a consultant with EP Risk while completing her PhD research on respirable crystalline silica exposures to tunnel construction workers.
