1 . Introduction
1 . Introduction
1.1 About Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia is an independent Australian Government statutory agency jointly funded by the Commonwealth , state and territory governments through an Intergovernmental Agreement .
Safe Work Australia was established by the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 ( Cth ) to lead the development of policy to improve work health and safety ( WHS ) and workers ’ compensation arrangements across Australia .
Safe Work Australia does not regulate WHS . The Commonwealth , states and territories have responsibility for implementing and enforcing WHS laws in their jurisdiction .
Safe Work Australia is governed by a tripartite body comprising 15 Members , including : � a Chair
� � � nine Members representing the Commonwealth and each state and territory two Members representing the interests of workers two Members representing the interests of employers , and � the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia . Safe Work Australia ’ s functions include : � monitoring and evaluating the model WHS laws ( the model WHS Act , model WHS Regulations and model Codes of Practice ) to improve safety outcomes and address issues that have the potential to impede the effective and efficient operation of the laws , and
� facilitating the development of accessible , effective and practical material to aid understanding and compliance ; minimise regulatory cost ; and support improved WHS outcomes , particularly for small business and individuals .
The model WHS laws have been implemented in the Commonwealth and all states and territories except Victoria .
1.2 Background
The Safe Work Australia Agency ( the Agency ) finalised the Silica Decision RIS on 5 February 2023 , for consideration by WHS ministers .
At a meeting on 28 February 2023 , WHS ministers considered and agreed to the recommendations proposed by the Agency in the Silica Decision RIS :
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Option 2 : National awareness and behaviour change initiatives
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Option 5a : Regulation of high-risk crystalline silica processes for all materials ( including engineered stone ). Ministers noted this should cover all industries , and
Option 6 : Further analysis and consultation on the impacts of a prohibition on the use of engineered stone under the model WHS laws . Ministers noted this should include consideration of silica content levels and other risk factors , and a national licensing system for products that are not subject to a ban and for legacy products .
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 11 of 107