The Allan Labor Government is banning the use of engineered stone from July this year, protecting Victorian workers from deadly silicosis.
The science is clear: working with engineered stone can be a death sentence. That is why the Labor Government is taking nation leading action to ban the product – so no more young Victorian families are torn apart for the sake of a kitchen benchtop.
From 1 July, work involving the manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs will be banned.
An exception to the ban will apply if the work involves the removal, repair or modification of engineered stone products installed before 1 July. This work will be subject to existing control requirements for engineered stone and additional high-risk crystalline silica work regulations.
Victoria has led the way to prevent disease and support injured workers over the last five years, establishing Australia’s only dedicated public hospital occupational respiratory clinic through a partnership between WorkSafe and The Alfred.
WorkSafe inspectors will be ensuring duty holders are adhering to the new regulations and any attempt to intentionally avoid the ban will be subject to strong enforcement action.
More information can be found at worksafe.vic.gov.au/crystalline-silica.
As stated by Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson
“The evidence is clear that working with engineered stone is deadly – I don’t want to see any more Victorian workers die because of a kitchen benchtop.”
“We’re protecting workers from silicosis because everyone deserves to have a safe workplace where they can earn a living without risking their lives.”
As stated by former stonemason Daniel Andrew
“Silicosis is an extremely damaging disease and a devastating diagnosis so we need to make sure the health of workers comes first when it comes to crystalline silica.”
