Article by latest.insure
What is Silicosis?
Why Should Small Business Owners Care
Eight out of 10 construction workers and more than 90% of those working in mining industries are at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) at work.
The list doesn’t end there. Dentistry, jewellery, ceramics, glass, foundries, paint manufacturing, and even some teaching (ceramics) and agricultural roles are also impacted. Any workplace where materials containing silica are cut, ground, polished, or processed can pose a risk—even if the exposure is less obvious than on a building site.
Insurance and Workers’ Compensation – Are You Covered
Silicosis is shifting the insurance landscape for SMEs. Workers’ compensation is mandatory, but silicosis claims can be complex—especially with past or multiple exposures.
Some insurers are now adding total exclusions for silicosis on their liability policies, particularly for businesses importing, manufacturing, or working with engineered stone. This means you could be left footing the bill if an employee, subcontractor, or even a site visitor develops silicosis and claims negligence.
Income protection and life insurance policies for business owners often exclude occupational illnesses like silicosis altogether.
Not sure what your policy covers? Check with us as your broker now—don’t wait for a claim to catch you out.
How SMEs Can Reduce Their Risk
The good news? There are clear, practical steps you can take to protect your workers and your business:
Know your legal duties:
Safe Work Australia and state WHS laws set strict limits on silica dust exposure and require health monitoring for at-risk workers.
Invest in the right PPE:
Dust masks alone won’t cut it—use proper respirators, wet-cutting tools, and high-efficiency vacuums.
Ban on engineered stone:
From January 2025, manufacturing, supply, and installation of engineered stone is banned nationwide.
Educate your team
Make sure every tradie knows the risks and how to work safely.
Regular health checks
Early detection can make a huge difference for affected workers.
Review your insurance
Make sure your policies specifically cover occupational diseases like silicosis.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Silicosis isn’t just a health issue—it’s a business risk.
Legal claims, workers’ compensation disputes, and insurance gaps can all hit your bottom line hard. With the ban on engineered stone now in force and regulators ramping up compliance checks, small businesses are under more scrutiny than ever.
As your broker, we can work with you to review your cover, identify any gaps, and make sure your business is protected—so you can focus on getting the job done, safely and confidently.
