Engineered stone, frequently used in kitchen benchtops, has resulted in some workers developing fatal lung disease silicosis. To protect workers from this deadly health risk, engineered stone products will be prohibited nationwide starting from July 1. This initiative is the result of an agreement reached by federal, state, and territory workplace ministers during a meeting on Wednesday. The ban will include a prohibition on importing engineered stone into Australia as well.
A transition period will be established to accommodate contracts involving engineered stone that were entered into before the announcement of the ban. The specific timeline for this transition will be decided during the next meeting of the ministers in March. There will be exceptions for situations involving the removal or repair of engineered stone that has already been installed.
The CFMEU National Secretary, Zach Smith, emphasized the significance of the national ban, describing it as a vital milestone in protecting workers from the life-threatening effects of silicosis. Noting that as many as one in four workers using engineered stone are developing silicosis, Smith stressed the importance of additional measures to safeguard workers who had been exposed to the product in the past.
The national ban was prompted by a report from Safe Work Australia, commissioned by workplace ministers, advocating for a countrywide prohibition to prevent the development of health conditions related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This report led Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland to express the urgency of introducing safety measures ahead of the ban’s implementation to protect workers from the hazards associated with engineered stone.
The hardware chains Bunnings and Mitre 10 have announced their plans to gradually phase out the sale of engineered stone products. Nevertheless, Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, emphasized the need for continued efforts to support those affected by silicosis. He described the national ban on engineered stone as an important step in reducing the burden of silicosis but stressed the need for ongoing action to protect workers from dangerous products like engineered stone.