Australia makes world-first decision to ban engineered stone following surge in silicosis cases

 


Australia has become the first country to announce a ban on engineered stone following a surge in workers developing the lung disease silicosis.

Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers unanimously agreed to implement a national ban on the product at a long-awaited meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

The ban will start on July 1, 2024 in most states and territories.

The world-first decision comes after hundreds of workers developed silicosis from working on engineered stone, a popular material mostly used for kitchen benches and bathroom vanities.

Ministers also agreed to a "transition period" for engineered stone contracts entered into before the ban was announced, with arrangements to be finalised at a later meeting.

The federal government will also impose a ban on imported engineered stone to provide an "additional layer of enforcement and deterrence at the border", however the date has not been finalized yet.

Trade unions, health organisations and personal injury law firms have all welcomed the ban, saying it will save lives.

"Engineered stone is a fashion product that is killing the workers who make it," Australian Council of Trade Unions assistant secretary Liam O'Brien said.

"With alternatives readily available, why are we risking the lives of tradies for a fashionable finish in our kitchens?"

Caesarstone, a large engineered stone manufacturer, said it was "deeply disappointed" by the decision.

A spokesperson said the reasoning behind the decision was "flawed" and that singling out engineered stone would not eliminate the risk of silicosis in the workplace.

"Most importantly, it [the decision] fails to address the real cause of rising silicosis rates – poor compliance with and enforcement of safety standards," they said.

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