From 1 October 2025, SafeWork NSW is rolling out a Silica Worker Register (SWR), a new system to track workers doing jobs that expose them to respirable crystalline silica dust.

If your crew cuts, drills, grinds, or polishes concrete, bricks, tiles, or any other silica-containing material, this change affects you.

What is the Silica Worker Register?

The SWR is an online register where businesses (PCBUs) must record details of any worker carrying out high-risk silica work.

This helps SafeWork NSW track exposure, monitor worker health, and prevent silicosis and other dust-related diseases.

Key start date: 1 October 2025

Timeframe: You must register a worker within 28 days of them starting high-risk silica work.

Who needs to be registered?

You’ll need to register any worker who performs high-risk silica tasks, such as:

• Cutting, grinding, drilling or polishing materials with crystalline silica
• Tunnelling, demolition, quarrying, or manufacturing using silica-rich materials

If you’re unsure whether work is high-risk, play it safe and register your workers.

What details you need to provide

You’ll need to enter details for both your business and the worker, including:

• Business name, ABN, contact info
• Worker’s name, date of birth, and contact info
• Worksite location and start date
• Health monitoring provider (if applicable)

Why it’s important

The register is part of NSW’s effort to reduce silica-related disease and improve worker safety across construction and trades.

Failing to register can lead to penalties but more importantly, this is about keeping your crew healthy and protected.

What Should Do Now

1. Identify high-risk tasks on your sites.
2. Collect worker details and keep them on file.
3. Set up a reminder system to register within 28 days.
4. Continue dust control measures like wet cutting, PPE, and ventilation.
5. Talk to your team and explain the changes and why they’re important.

The Silica Worker Register isn’t just more paperwork, it’s about protecting your team’s health.

Need help?

Check out these additional resources:

• Blog – Silica dust: What is it? and How does it affect your health
• Blog – Working with silica

Or call our Advisory Team on 1800 954 702.