Information for health professionals and the wider sector is gradually moving. Until mid-2026, information will either be here, or on our other website — tewhatuora.govt.nz.
Accelerated silicosis
Information on accelerated silicosis and the assessment pathway for its identification and diagnosis.
About accelerated silicosis
Accelerated silicosis is an aggressive lung disease that can affect people who have been exposed to silica dust.
Crystalline silica is a natural substance found in a range of materials including artificial or engineered stone used to make benchtops. People who work with engineered stone are at most risk of accelerated silicosis.
When the stone is cut, it can release respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. These particles are extremely small and can be breathed in, potentially damaging the lungs.
Accelerated silicosis usually develops over 3 to 10 years. But it can appear less than a year after exposure.
Because most exposure happens in the workplace, WorkSafe have a lead role in prevention.
Accelerated silicosis is different to chronic silicosis. Chronic silicosis is more common, and rarely becomes progressive.
Diagnosing accelerated silicosis
Accelerated silicosis assessment pathway
Use the accelerated silicosis assessment pathway to assess people's risk and help diagnose accelerated silicosis.
The pathway includes:
- steps for GPs and other health professionals
- information about the ACC assessment process to inform decisions around claims.
The first step in the pathway is for the worker to have a health check with a health professional (typically a GP). If an ACC claim is made and accepted, ACC will work with the health professional to make referrals and fund any further assessment and investigations that may be required.
If the person is not eligible for ACC because their exposure happened overseas or they do not meet the pathway threshold, they may still be referred to a respiratory specialist for assessment. This is provided they are eligible for publicly funded healthcare.
While progress through the assessment process will be different for each patient, the pathway sets out a general process for assessing each case.
You can find the accelerated silicosis assessment pathway on HealthPathways.
Background to the pathway
WorkSafe New Zealand, ACC and Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora formed a joint agency response to accelerated silicosis in engineered stone workers in 2019.
The assessment pathway was developed by a group of expert clinicians to make sure there is a clear and consistent process for identifying accelerated silicosis.
Silica exposure — HealthPathways
The silica exposure HealthPathway provides general practice teams, including general practitioners and practice nurses, access to information needed at each point of care.
Registered users can access the pathway on the Canterbury Community HealthPathways website. It is also available to all other New Zealand HealthPathways sites as unlocalised content.