Silica Medicals

What is a silica medical?

A silica medical is a legally required health monitoring assessment for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations. It detects early signs of silicosis, lung cancer and other silica-related diseases before symptoms become severe.

Silica medicals must be conducted by, or under the supervision of, a registered medical practitioner experienced in occupational health.

When is a silica medical required in Australia?

A silica medical is required when a worker is exposed to respirable crystalline silica and there is a significant risk to their health.

Under WHS Regulations (Schedule 14 – Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring), employers must provide health monitoring:

• Before or shortly after exposure begins (baseline)
• At regular intervals during exposure
• After an exposure incident
• If symptoms of silica-related disease develop

Health monitoring is a legal employer obligation.

Is silica health monitoring mandatory in NSW, QLD and other states?

Yes. Silica health monitoring is mandatory across Australian states and territories when exposure to respirable crystalline silica meets regulatory risk thresholds.

The requirement sits under harmonised Work Health and Safety legislation, including:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• WHS Regulations – Schedule 14

Who needs a crystalline silica medical?

Workers who cut, grind, drill, crush or polish materials containing crystalline silica may require health monitoring.

High-risk industries include:

• Engineered stone fabrication
• Construction and demolition
• Mining and quarrying
• Tunnelling and civil construction
• Concrete cutting and surface preparation

If respirable silica dust is generated, health monitoring is usually required.

Do engineered stone workers need silica medicals?

Yes. Workers who fabricate, cut or install engineered stone products are considered high risk for respirable crystalline silica exposure.

Following recent regulatory reforms across Australia, engineered stone work is subject to strict exposure controls and mandatory health monitoring.

Silica medicals are strongly required for this industry.

What is included in a silica medical?

A compliant silica medical in Australia typically includes:

• Medical and occupational exposure history
• Standardised respiratory questionnaire
• Lung function testing (spirometry)
• Respiratory examination
• Chest X-ray (ILO classified where required)
• Blood pressure, height and weight

Chest X-rays must follow International Labour Organisation (ILO) classification standards when required under Safe Work Australia guidance.

How often are silica medicals required?

The frequency of silica medicals depends on risk level and years of exposure.

According to Safe Work Australia guidance:

• Spirometry: baseline and annually
• Chest X-ray: baseline and every 5–10 years during first 20 years of exposure
• More frequent imaging: if abnormalities or >20 years exposure

Monitoring intervals must align with the workplace silica risk management plan.

What is the workplace exposure standard for crystalline silica?

The Australian workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is:

• 0.05 mg/m³ (eight-hour time-weighted average).

This limit must not be exceeded. If exposure monitoring approaches or exceeds this level, health monitoring becomes mandatory.

The exposure standard is set by Safe Work Australia.

What diseases are caused by silica dust?

Respirable crystalline silica exposure can cause:

• Silicosis (chronic, accelerated or acute)
• Progressive massive fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma

Silicosis is irreversible and progressive. Early detection through health monitoring reduces long-term harm.

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a permanent occupational lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust.

Microscopic silica particles lodge in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). Over time, lung function declines.

There is no cure for silicosis. Prevention and early detection are essential.

What happens if a silica medical finds abnormalities?

If abnormalities are detected:

• Further respiratory investigations may be recommended
• Referral to a specialist may occur
• Workplace exposure controls must be reviewed
• Regulatory notification may be required

Early detection allows intervention before disease progression becomes severe.

Is a silica medical confidential?

Yes. Individual medical results are confidential and provided directly to the worker.

Employers receive a health monitoring report outlining fitness for work and any required workplace actions, in accordance with WHS legislation.

Medical confidentiality is protected under Australian privacy laws.

How long does a silica medical take?

Most silica medical appointments take 30–60 minutes, depending on:

• Complexity of exposure history
• Whether spirometry is required
• Coordination of imaging

Bulk group bookings can be coordinated to reduce operational disruption.

How much does a silica medical cost in Australia?

The cost of a silica medical varies depending on:

• Baseline or periodic assessment
• Inclusion of chest X-ray
• Number of workers
• State-specific compliance requirements

Many organisations integrate silica medicals into broader hazardous substances health surveillance programmes for efficiency.

What is the process for a silica medical?

The standard silica medical process includes:

• Occupational exposure review
• Respiratory questionnaire
• Spirometry testing
• Clinical examination
• Chest X-ray (if required)
• Report issued to worker and employer

The process supports early detection and regulatory compliance.