Released 12/11/2023
The ACT Government has welcomed findings from a Safe Work Australia report into the use of engineered stone.
The Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone has recommended a national prohibition on the use of engineered stone and has provided options for the ongoing management of previously installed stone.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety Mick Gentleman said the ACT will support a national prohibition at the next meeting of state and federal workplace Ministers scheduled for December.
“The risk of silicosis posed by engineered stone use is much higher,” Minister Gentleman said.
“In July of last year, our Government took action to place prohibitions on the dry and uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone and crystalline silica material. I have also introduced more effective control measures, and mandatory silica awareness training for at risk occupations.
“There is no scientific evidence of a safe level of exposure to silica dust generated from cutting engineered stone, even lower silica content slabs. Engineered stone workers are markedly over-represented among workers diagnosed with silicosis.
"Engineered stone workers who contract silicosis typically experience faster onset and a more rapid progression of the disease, than other workers, including those working with natural stone. It is vital that we take action to keep workers safe.
“We shouldn’t have workers contracting potentially fatal diseases, just by turning up to work.
“Ensuring the physical safety of every worker in the ACT is critical, and prohibitions on the importation and use of engineered stone is a necessary step toward making workplaces in Australia safer. "
The ACT Government will continue to work with stakeholders, federal, state, and territory counterparts on implementing the recommendations from Safe Work Australia.
The Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone can be found at Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone | Safe Work Australia.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases