The introduction of the Silica Worker Register (SWR) presents a new compliance requirement, particularly impacting ACT builders and trades regularly working on NSW projects.
From 1 October 2025, businesses undertaking high-risk silica work in NSW must register workers within 28 days of starting that work.
For ACT-based trades, the key challenge is managing cross-border obligations without adding unnecessary admin burden.
A practical approach for small construction businesses:
- Treat registration as a “site-based trigger”
Only NSW work involving high-risk silica activities requires registration. ACT-only projects are not captured. This keeps the scope manageable.
- Build it into your existing paperwork
Instead of creating new processes, link SWR checks to what you already do—quoting, SWMS preparation or pre-start documentation. If silica risk is identified, registration follows.
- Use a simple worker register once
Maintain one internal spreadsheet or list of workers completing silica work. This becomes your single source of truth rather than repeating data collection for each job.
- Assign responsibility early
Nominate one person (builder, supervisor or office admin) to manage registrations. This avoids confusion and duplication across small teams.
- Leverage existing records
Training, SWMS, and health monitoring systems already contain most required information—use them to streamline reporting rather than duplicating effort.
Key takeaway:
For small trade businesses, compliance should not mean more paperwork. By treating the SWR as an extension of existing safety processes, ACT builders working across NSW can meet requirements efficiently, with minimal impact on time and resources.
Early setup and clear responsibility are the difference between a burden and a simple administrative step.
You should not rely on the portal to hold your records. Instead:
- Maintain your own internal SWR tracking register (spreadsheet or simple log)
- Keep supporting evidence (SWMS, silica control plans, training, health monitoring) within your existing WHS systems
- Use the portal only to submit required worker details within 28 days
SafeWork NSW – Silica Worker Register
If you have any questions about your work, health and safety obligations, contact the Workplace Relations Team:
📞(02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au
