Construction ISSC communique: June 2025

The Construction Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) convened on 11 June 2025.

Mr Ryan Alexiou offered to act as chair for the meeting and was elected unopposed. Members welcomed Mr Gary Hogg from Master Builders Queensland. The Acting Chair informed Members that Mr Hogg would act as an observer pending a new round of Committee nominations and appointments.

A senior Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) occupational health and hygiene officer presented to the Committee on silica and the development of the model code of practice on managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the workplace. Issues raised by the presenter included:

• The issue of when air monitoring is needed was discussed. Matters such as frequency,dose and what are reasonable grounds under Section 50 of the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 were raised.
• Exposure to RCS is hard to quantify without air monitoring data collected and analysedby a qualified occupational hygienist.
• RCS controls were discussed. Elimination is always preferable followed by engineering controls. Personal protective equipment was discussed, and it was noted that a combination of controls is likely the most effective approach.
• The draft Model Code is being developed by Safe Work Australia (SWA) Members. SWA has adopted substantial portions of the Queensland Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of practice 2022.
• The British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) Silica Control Tool (silicaTool) was discussed. The silica tool is a custom tool built to assist industry conduct appropriate risk assessments and implement effective controls and safe work practices where silica dust may be an occupational hazard. Several Australian safety regulators are investigating the silica tools practical application.

The Committee considered the issue of heat stress in the construction sector. Members agreed that there is a need for additional information on heat stress and heat stress initiatives, especially proactive heat stress campaign materials.

During industry discussion members noted that a worrying trend was emerging in residential construction with workers undertaking work while on top plates for 1-2 story sites, without suitable fall protection. Members observed that residential housing workers and builders engaged on 1-2 floor sites often did not comply with legislation/regulation concerning working at heights and were confused regarding falls of 1-3 meters.

Committee Members agreed that working at height is a challenge for the construction industry. Members agreed to work with OIR out of session to further discuss the issue and consider appropriate compliance or engagement action (for example new education materials or a compliance campaign).

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au