Protecting Your Workforce with Crystalline Silica Monitoring
Crystalline silica dust is one of the most serious, yet unseen, occupational hazards in many industries across New Zealand. Found in materials like concrete, stone, brick, mortar and engineered stone, respirable crystalline silica (RCS) becomes dangerous when fine dust particles are released into the air during cutting, grinding, drilling or polishing activities. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, where long‑term exposure can cause serious, irreversible health issues.
At Verum Group, we specialise in crystalline silica monitoring to help businesses manage risks effectively, protect employees and maintain compliance with workplace safety obligations.
The Hidden Risks of Silica Dust Exposure
Respirable crystalline silica is not just ordinary dust, its microscopic particles are easily inhaled and can become trapped in lung tissue. Because harmful exposure often occurs without visible dust clouds, complacency can be dangerous. Regular monitoring is the only reliable way to truly understand airborne silica levels in your workplace.
What Is Personal Silica Exposure Monitoring?
Verum Group’s silica exposure monitoring goes beyond basic assessment. We use state‑of‑the‑art personal monitoring devices that are worn by employees during their work shift. These devices record real exposure levels of respirable crystalline silica, showing exactly what your people are breathing over a typical day.
Once collected, this exposure data is compared against established workplace exposure standards. This helps you understand whether existing controls are effective or whether further measures are needed.
What You Gain from Silica Monitoring
Choosing professional silica monitoring with Verum Group means your business can:
1. Safeguard Worker Health
By accurately measuring individual exposure, you can take targeted actions to minimise health risks before long‑term conditions develop.
2. Ensure Compliance
Workplace laws require businesses to manage and reduce hazardous exposures “so far as is reasonably practicable.” Monitoring demonstrates due diligence and helps confirm whether control measures are working.
3. Improve Control Measures
Monitoring results can show you where improvements are needed, from engineering controls to personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Build Trust with Staff and Clients
Investing in proactive safety monitoring shows employees and clients that health and wellbeing are core priorities for your business.
Who Should Consider Silica Monitoring?
Crystalline silica monitoring is especially important for workplaces where materials containing silica are actively processed, such as:
Construction and concrete cutting.
Masonry and stone fabrication.
Quarrying and tunnelling.
Engineered stone benchtop manufacturing and finishing.
Roading and civil works.
Any employer with teams routinely exposed to silica dust should consider regular monitoring as part of their occupational hygiene plan.
Get in Touch with Verum Group
Verum Group’s experienced team can help you understand your silica exposure landscape and guide you through effective monitoring and mitigation. Whether you’re looking to start silica monitoring or refine your existing health and safety strategy, we’re here to support you.
Explore how reliable silica monitoring can protect your workforce and elevate your safety standards, contact us today.