Engineered Stone Products to be Banned in Australia to Protect Workers from Deadly Lung Disease
Engineered stone, a popular material used in kitchen benchtops, will be banned across Australia starting from July 1. This decision comes after federal, state, and territory workplace ministers reached an agreement to protect workers from developing the incurable and deadly lung disease known as silicosis.
National Ban on Engineered Stone
The ban on engineered stone products is a significant step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of workers. Often referred to as a modern-day asbestos, the use of engineered stone has been linked to the development of silicosis among workers.
The federal government has also announced plans to prohibit the importation of engineered stone into Australia as part of the national measure. However, a transition period will be established for contracts involving engineered stone that were entered into before the ban was announced. The specific timeline for this transition period will be determined in a future meeting of the workplace ministers in March.
Exceptions and Safety Measures
While the ban will prevent the use of engineered stone in new projects, exceptions will be made for the removal or repair of existing installations. This ensures that necessary actions can be taken to address potential health risks associated with previously installed engineered stone products.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has welcomed the national ban, emphasizing its importance in saving lives. CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith highlighted that approximately one in four workers using engineered stone are contracting silicosis. The union had previously threatened to implement its own ban if the government failed to take action.
Smith also stressed the need for measures to protect workers dealing with legacy issues of engineered stone, similar to how asbestos-related issues are handled. With a significant amount of this product already present in Australian homes, apartments, and commercial spaces, proper training and qualifications are essential to ensure safe handling in the future.
Safe Work Australia Report
The national ban on engineered stone products follows a report by Safe Work Australia, commissioned by workplace ministers. The report recommended a countrywide prohibition as the most effective way to protect workers from developing health conditions related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
Marie Boland, CEO of Safe Work Australia, emphasized the urgent need for action to address the increase in silicosis cases and other silica-related diseases. The organization will implement safety measures immediately to improve workplace conditions before the ban takes effect.
Industry Response
Major hardware chains Bunnings and Mitre 10 have announced plans to phase out the sale of engineered stone products in support of the ban. This move reflects their commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of workers and consumers.
Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, acknowledged the significance of the ban but called for continued efforts to support those affected by silicosis. He emphasized the need to reduce the burden on workers exposed to silica in their daily work and highlighted engineered stone as a clear example of a dangerous product.
With the implementation of this national ban, Australia aims to create safer and healthier workplaces while protecting workers from the devastating effects of silicosis caused by engineered stone products.
