Assignment details
Your role
As an investigator for WorkSafe Queensland, you have been tasked with investigating the numerous.
Complaints around non-compliance with the recently enacted Managing respirable crystalline silica dust
exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022.
Background
The stone benchtop industry in Australia, like many places worldwide, makes extensive use of engineered
stone products. These products are often made up of more than ¥0% crystalline silica, a natural mineral.
When workers cut, polish, or grind these stone materials, they generate respirable crystalline silica dust.
Inhaling this dust can lead toa condition called silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease.
The issue for investigation
Since the mid-2010s, Australian health authorities have noticed a concerning rise in silicosis cases, particularly
among younger workers in the stone benchtop industry. Some workers had only been in the
industry for a few years. The Queensland state government along with industry workers, employers, and
technical experts, developed a Code of Conduct to safely manage the manufacture of stone benchtops and
by-product silica dust. This Code of Conduct came into effect in May 2023. However, despite this Code of
Conduct, workers from various companies have made complaints to SafeWork Queensland regarding unsafe
work practices in using engineered stone. Task requirements
You are now tasked to write a Risk Management Plan. You must ensure that during the investigation, all
potential risks are identified, assessed, and then effectively managed. This means that, among other
responsibilities. You are required to:
= Identify potential risks that could impact the success and integrity of the investigation.
= Prioritise the identified risks based on their likelihood and potential impact on the investigation.
= Propose specific strategies for mitigating or minimizing the impact of the identified risks.
Here is an example of a risk assessment matrix (DOCK 37KB) 4. to assist you in completing the above
aspects of this assignment.
« Address legal and ethical considerations relevant to the investigation. Ensure that the investigation]
complies with company policies. local laws, and ethical standards.
* Outline a plan for ongoing monitoring and control of risks throughout the investigation.
Note: You will be provided with a template to follow. The template is not simply a guide for the assignment,
it demonstrates formatting and structures and show what must be included in your Risk Management Plan.
