The WA Government says it is boosting the health surveillance requirements for silica dust. 

A new change to the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 is intended to increase protections for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica in the engineered stone industry.

As of January 15, with a three-month grace period, employers will be required to provide a low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan, supervised by an appointed medical practitioner, instead of the previously required chest X-ray.

HRCT scans are superior to chest X-rays and will assist in the early detection of silicosis.

“The low-dose high-resolution CT scan coupled with the recent halving of the workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica, will be of great assistance in improving health outcomes for workers exposed to silica,” says WA Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston: 

“There has been much concern about the number of silicosis cases in the Eastern States and, although we have seen relatively few cases in WA, it's appropriate we take action to minimise the risks for workers.”