The AIHS Joins Leading Health Bodies to Back Safe Work Australia’s Call to Ban all Engineered Stone Products

Media Release Banner.png

The AIHS has joined other leading health bodies to back the report released by Safe Work Australia recommending a prohibition on the use of engineered stone in Australia.The report followed broad consultation with business groups, engineered stone manufacturers and fabricators, unions and leading health experts.

The report followed broad consultation with business groups, engineered stone manufacturers and fabricators, unions and leading health experts.

There were three options considered by Safe Work Australia:
Option 1: Prohibition on the use of all engineered stone
Option 2: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone containing 40% or more crystalline silica
Option 3: As for option 2, with an accompanying licensing scheme for PCBUs working with engineered stone containing less than 40% crystalline silica.

After much consultation and consideration into options, economic impact, compliance and duties, the report recommended "WHS ministers prohibit the use of all engineered stone and implement a licensing scheme for certain work with engineered stone previously installed".

Although silicosis is a completely preventable disease, as many as 1 in 4 stonemasons working with engineered stone are contracting a form of silicosis that develops after relatively short exposure periods, is severe and worsens relatively quickly.

The AIHS originally welcomed the decision to support a consultation on the prohibition of engineered stone with greater than 10% crystalline silica content, and acknowledges the decision to recommend a precautionary approach with a total ban.

The rationale behind this decision is made clear in the report which states that allowing industries to work with engineered stone will not result in improvements in compliance, noting that this work is occurring in a sector with high levels of non-compliance.

Safe Work Australia saw that permitting work with lower grade silica engineered stone may encourage even greater noncompliance with WHS laws as there may be an incorrect perception that these products are 'safer'.

AIHS Chair Naomi Kemp supported the shift stating that "The AIHS has a long and proud history of working with regulators, and along with other leading health bodies, and will support the Ministers' decision including the implementation of an industry licensing program."

The AIHS acts as a voice for the profession and is committed to working with industry to value health, safety and wellbeing by implementing controls necessary to prevent and reduce harm.

Should WHS ministers agree to the recommended option, the model WHS Regulations will be amended to introduce a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone, with exemptions for certain work on previously installed stone.

ENDS

A joint statement is also attached and signed by:
ACTU
Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienist
Cancer Council
Lung Foundation
Public Health Association of Australia
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine Inc
Australian Council of Trade Unions

Media Enquiries:

AIHS Contact: Rebecca Turnbull

Tel: (03) 8336 1995

Email:[email protected]

About the AIHS: With a 75-year history, the Australian Institute of Health & Safety is Australia's national association for the health and safety profession, with a vision for safe and healthy people in productive workplaces and communities.