Australia’s infrastructure boom has put thousands of workers underground, but with it comes a renewed focus on the dangers of dust exposure—particularly silica dust—in tunnelling projects. In April 2025, the NSW government launched the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce, marking a significant step toward tackling the rising rates of silicosis and other respiratory diseases among construction workers

The Taskforce’s first meeting, chaired by Trent Curtin, brought together industry leaders, unions, and safety regulators to chart a path forward. Their 10-point action plan aims to overhaul current practices, introducing enhanced health monitoring, transparent data sharing, and a review of best-practice controls. This collaborative approach signals a shift from reactive to proactive risk management.

A key focus is ensuring that health and safety representatives are empowered and that compliance is not just a box-ticking exercise. As the Taskforce stated:

“SafeWork NSW will increase the focus on compliance to ensure appropriate consultation and provide advice and support for Health and Safety Representatives in tunnelling workplaces.”

This initiative comes at a critical time. According to Safe Work Australia, 200 workers died from traumatic injuries in 2023 alone, and many more are at risk from long-term occupational illnesses like silicosis. The Taskforce’s plan includes adopting the latest dust suppression technologies, mandatory fit-testing for respiratory protection, and a commitment to ongoing worker education.

For employers and contractors, the message is clear: robust controls, transparent reporting, and worker engagement are now non-negotiable. The Taskforce’s work is expected to set new benchmarks for the industry, with lessons that will likely extend beyond tunnelling to other high-risk sectors.

As the infrastructure sector continues to grow, this renewed focus on dust safety underscores the importance of adapting health and safety systems to meet emerging risks, ensuring that every worker returns home safely.