Stonemasons and construction industries are adapting to the recent ban on engineered stone – with advice and guidance to more than 1,100 operators across the sectors.
A prohibition on the processing, manufacture and supply of engineered stone has now taken full effect across Australia, while a federal ban on the importation of the product also came into effect on January 1.
The nationwide ban on engineered stone came into effect on July 1 last year.to protect workers from silicosis.
Since then WorkSafe inspectors have conducted 326 inspections of stonemasons and suppliers, issued 110 improvement notices and referred five operators for investigation over suspected illegal processing or supply of engineered stone.
WorkSafe has also taken the time to attempt to ensure the construction industry is aware of the ongoing obligations for controlling crystalline silica dust, with inspectors providing guidance and advice to 865 residential and commercial builders since the ban took effect.
More than 700 Victorian workers have been impacted by silica-related disease since the start of 2018, including 20 who have lost their lives, with the majority linked to the processing and manufacturing of engineered stone.
Victorian regulations banning engineered stone apply to all employers, self-employed persons or those with management or control of a workplace, regardless of any previous contractual obligations.
“Our proactive approach to working with the stonemason industry has paid off – with the vast majority aware of their obligations and wanting to do everything to protect workers from deadly silica dust,” said WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin.
Deputy Premier and WorkSafe Minister Ben Carroll said too many Victorian workers had already lost their lives or suffered the debilitating effects of silicosis as a result of working with engineered stone.
“No one should die for a kitchen benchtop – that’s why the Allan Labor Government led the nation and swiftly implemented the ban on processing, manufacture and supply of engineered stone,” Mr Carroll said.
For more information on crystalline silica, including control measures, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/crystalline-silica
For information on data sheets, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/interpreting-data-sheets-identify-engineered-st…
