A free tool for measuring silica risk.
September 23, 2025
The Silica Control Tool (SCT) is a user-friendly online risk assessment tool that helps protect workers from the dangers of airborne crystalline silica exposure. Originally developed in British Columbia by the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA), the SCT was introduced in Ontario at the end of 2023 through a collaboration between the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
The SCT helps workers assess and manage the risks associated with silica exposure, providing customized recommendations for control measures and supporting safe work practices. One safety professional noted, “The tool is useful for small companies without occupational hygienist support,” highlighting its value in making silica risk management accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Since its launch in Ontario, the SCT has gained significant traction, with over 1000 active account holders and nearly 500 Exposure Control Plans (ECPs) initiated since the launch. On average, users have experienced a 40% reduction in silica exposure after implementing the recommended safety measures. These results emphasize the tool’s effectiveness in preventing occupational disease and enhancing workplace safety.
Kimberly O’Connell, Executive Director with OHCOW, shared, “Over the past year, we’ve seen the Silica Control Tool grow in use and importance, not just in construction but across various industries in Ontario.” The SCT provides workers with clear, actionable guidance on managing silica exposure through engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment. One user commended the tool as, “Very useful for safety professionals while providing easy to understand explanations to businesses.”
Dr. Melanie Gorman Ng of BCCSA explained, “From the start, we designed the Silica Control Tool to be adaptable to other jurisdictions so that we can help prevent occupational disease for as many workers as possible.” The tool’s expansion is not limited to Ontario, with discussions underway with representatives from Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and even Australia about adopting it.
In July of 2025, in a continued collaboration with BCCSA, Ontario launched the Surface Mining version of the SCT. This is the same tool workers are familiar with, now serving a new market. Users with existing accounts, and future sign-ups can access both versions of the tool for free.
Looking to the future, efforts are underway to expand the tool’s capabilities, including adding more silica-containing materials, incorporating new air monitoring data, and a French translation coming soon.
The SCT remains free for all Ontario workers, employers, and unions, reflecting the ongoing commitment to protecting workers from silica-related health risks.
