WorkSafe Earth Resources Tripartite Safety (ERTS) Forum

The Earth Resources Tripartite Safety (ERTS) Forum on the 3 September 2025 was chaired by Chris Owens, Manager, Earth Resources and Silica.

WorkSafe Victoria provided an OHS Regulation review update Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) refer to airborne concentrations of certain chemicals that must not be exceeded; these limits help protect workers from harmful exposure.

From 1 December 2026, Safe Work Australia is amending current Workplace Exposure Standards with new Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL). While most chemicals will remain unchanged, some may have a new WEL introduced, removed, increased or reduced.

Under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 Victoria, WorkSafe has engaged a consulting firm to undertake a regulatory impact statement (RIS) to determine costs, benefits, and any unforeseen impacts.

Safe Work Australia is also undertaking a review of workplace exposure standards (WES) for several high-consequence chemicals (Benzene, Chlorine, copper (fumes, dusts, and mists) hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable crystalline silica and titanium dioxide.}.

WorkSafe Victoria is keen to understand the impact of these proposed changes on businesses and organisations, including the ability to monitor data, exposure levels and cost implications.

WorkSafe Victoria also hosted a webinar on Psychological Health Regulations on 27 October 2025; this was part of Health and Safety month.

Register for regular updates and changes to these regulations at WorkSafe Victoria Australian Workers Union discussed recent quarry visits and
noted frequent observations in relation to the following:

• Poor application of Emergency Response Plans (ERP) with quarries and testing of developed ERPs.
• Lack of pedestrian walkways between mobile plant park-up areas and crib rooms/site offices.
• Locations of maintenance works in relation to active haul roads.
• Condition of brew rooms/amenities and toilets on-site.

Dr Elizabeth Gibson, General Manager, CMPA, met with Dr Ryan Hoy at the Alfred Health Occupational Respiratory Clinic (AORC) to discuss RCS and health monitoring.

The CMPA has developed the following:

• Online Guarding Training Package (Employees)
• Mobile Plant Pre-start inspection checklist

Both of these resources are available from the CMPA.

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