Moves to ban engineered stone welcomed

A ban on the manufacture, use and import of engineered stone products is a step closer to reality after an amendment to the ALP national platform, says the union representing building workers. It comes as the ALP National Conference winds up in Brisbane today (Saturday 19 August 23). The concern is that engineered stone produces deadly respirable crystalline silica dust which can cause silicosis during manufacture and when it is cut to fit kitchens and bathrooms where it is currently widely used. The inclusion of a ban on engineered stone products was welcomed by all building workers, said CFMEU Construction and General Division National Secretary, Zach Smith. CFMEU National Secretary & ACT Branch Secretary “The deadly dust produced by engineered stone is taking the lives of young tradespeople in this country and it needs to be banned,” Mr Smith said. “No matter how good a kitchen might look, it is no substitute for the health of a tradesperson. “Make no mistake, engineered stone is the next asbestos and we need to get it banned urgently in this country. “I want to thank delegates to the ALP National Conference for voting to include this ban on harmful engineered stone products in the ALP national platform. ‘We know that one in four of the workers who use this stone will develop deadly silicosis or other deadly dust diseases. “You don’t need engineered stone to build homes or offices, it’s not integral to the building process, it's a cosmetic product. The amendment includes the ALP taking all necessary measures to eradicate the hazard posed by exposure to silica dust. It reads: Engineered stone kitchen ‘Labor recognises that the elimination of silicosis requires the strong coordinated efforts of all governments to take all necessary measures, including a ban on the manufacture, use and import of harmful engineered stone products, as well as other preventative measures, including: a. regulation outlining minimum safety benchmarks for application across all industries where workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust (including mandatory silica awareness training for workers in those industries), b. comprehensive health monitoring program during and after employment to assist in identifying the onset of any dust-related disease, c. dust register for all diagnosed cases of occupational lung disease, and d. support (financial and psychological) for workers (and their families) diagnosed with occupational lung disease and who are struggling to return to work and adjusting to life with the devastating impact of their lung disease. Labor will ensure that workers who suffer an illness or disease as result of exposure to silica will have the same access to justice and rights as workers exposed to asbestos.’

Moves to ban engineered stone welcomed

Industry Queensland

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