4 . How to manage and control the risks from working with engineered stone
WHS Act section 17 Management of risks
Risks arising from working with engineered stone must be eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable to protect workers and other persons against harm .
Risk management is a proactive , systematic process that helps a PCBU plan and respond to potential hazards and their associated risks in the workplace . It involves four steps :
− identifying the hazard − assessing the risk − controlling the risk , and − reviewing control measures .
A hazard is a situation or thing that has the potential to harm a person .
For engineered stone , the hazard is the silica dust generated through certain mechanical processes .
To identify the likely sources of silica dust , it is important for a PCBU to consider the following aspects of the workplace and their interactions :
− the design and manufacture of the engineered stone , including the percentage of crystalline silica
− physical work environment o for example , the layout of a workshop − equipment , materials and substances used o for example , using angle grinders − work tasks and how they are performed o for example , grinding engineered stone which generates silica dust − work design and management o for example , a lack of consideration of the product supply chain and lifecycle when designing good work practices and product risk management , and
− worker experience , knowledge and behaviours .
This may be achieved by :
− − − conducting a walk-through assessment of the workplace observing the work and talking to workers and / or HSRs about how work is carried out inspecting the plant and equipment that is used as part of the fabrication and other relevant processes o for example , hand-held tools may generate more silica dust than automated machinery
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