On 17 October 2025, Master Builders ACT joined builders, contractors, and industry leaders at the WorkSafe ACT Industry Breakfast to discuss one of the most pressing issues in residential construction, silica safety.
The session featured Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jaqueline Agius, Infrastructure Canberra Director-General and ACT Chief Engineer Gillian Geraghty and Head of Operations and Business Development at the Heart of Australia Foundation, Ewan Wylie.
This time, the spotlight was on the residential construction sector, with a focus on the rising rate of silicosis and the urgent need for stronger awareness, prevention, and compliance. The key message was clear, safety is a shared responsibility, and we all play a vital role in protecting the wellbeing of our workers and the broader Canberra community.
Speakers emphasised the increasing risks of silica exposure during cutting, drilling, and polishing, tasks that are part of everyday work on residential sites. They reinforced that understanding the regulations, applying effective dust control measures and investing in worker training are essential to both compliance and long-term health protection.
It was encouraging to hear industry leaders commit to continued education, collaboration, and support in this space, and even more encouraging to see so many of our Master Builders members attending and engaging in the discussion.
At Master Builders ACT, we remain committed to safety and compliance. We’ll continue to raise awareness, share practical resources and support our members in maintaining the highest standards. Because silica safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting every worker who helps build our homes.
