Silica Dust Exposure Concerns?
Silica Safety Under Scrutiny: What the Snowy Hydro Shutdown Means for Your Workforce
In July 2025, the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project—a cornerstone of Australia’s renewable energy future—made headlines for all the wrong reasons. A concrete testing lab at Lobs Hole was shut down after SafeWork NSW raised serious concerns about worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). The closure, which lasted nearly two months, highlighted a growing and urgent issue in tunnelling, mining, and construction industries: silica dust safety
What Happened at Snowy 2.0?
SafeWork NSW responded to a service request in May, uncovering that workers were likely exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust in the lab. The inhalation of fine silica particles can cause silicosis, a debilitating and incurable lung disease. The lab was immediately closed, and mitigation efforts—including deep cleaning and enhanced ventilation—were ordered.
This incident is not isolated. It follows a troubling trend of safety lapses in major infrastructure projects, including ventilation failures and emergency chamber concerns. The NSW government has since formed a taskforce to address silica-related risks across tunnelling projects statewide.
Why This Should Matter to You
If your business operates in mining, tunnelling, construction, or stone fabrication, your workers may be at risk. Silica dust is invisible, insidious, and deadly. As Monash University’s Professor Jane Bourke warns, “There’s no safe level of silica… exposure is dangerous and everything should be done to ensure that workers are not exposed to it in the first place.”
How Newcastle Rescue & Consultancy Can Help
At Newcastle Rescue & Consultancy Pty Ltd, we specialize in comprehensive silica safety training tailored to high-risk industries. Our programs are designed to:
- Educate workers on silica hazards and safe handling practices
- Implement effective dust control and PPE strategies
- Ensure compliance with SafeWork NSW and national safety standards
- Prepare teams for emergency response and incident management
Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or safety officer, our training can help you protect your workforce, avoid costly shutdowns, and meet regulatory obligations.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
The Snowy Hydro incident is a wake-up call. Don’t wait for a safety audit or a health scare to act. Contact Newcastle Rescue & Consultancy Pty Ltd today to schedule a silica safety assessment or training session.
📞 Call us now 1300 356 686
📧 Email us at enquiries@newcastlerescue.com.au
🌐 Visit our website www.newcastlerescue.com.au
