Australia to ban Engineered Stone
Australia has made a historic move by announcing a ban on engineered stone due to silicosis risk, a decision that marks a global first.
Key Points:
Effective Date: The ban will be implemented across most Australian states and territories starting from July 1, 2024.
Reason for Ban: Engineered stone, commonly used in our kitchens and bathrooms, has raised serious health and safety concerns.
Decision Process: This unanimous decision came after a crucial meeting last Wednesday, involving Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers.
This ban is a response to the growing health crisis, notably the hundreds of workers suffering from silicosis due to their exposure to engineered stone.
Silicosis is caused by tiny particles of silica becoming embedded in the lining of the lungs and manifests in symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, weakness and fatigue.
We acknowledge that this decision has received mixed reactions. Caesarstone, for instance, has expressed disappointment, suggesting that the ban does not tackle the fundamental cause of increasing silicosis rates.
Following an extensive investigation, Safe Work Australia concluded earlier this year that there is no safe exposure level to silica, leading to their recommendation for a complete ban on engineered stone. It also found that the risk from engineered stone was distinct from that of natural stone due to the material's physical and chemical composition, and that this was likely contributing to more rapid and severe disease.
For those looking for alternatives, a range of materials are available including natural stone, porcelain, laminate, tiles, concrete, and timber. These options cater to different aesthetic and functional needs.
In light of industry feedback, workplace ministers will meet in March 2024 to discuss and finalise details regarding a "transition period" for existing engineered stone contracts. DraftRoom is keeping a close eye on the issue and we will inform you of any further updates.
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References
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-13/engineered-stone-ban-discussed-at-ministers-meeting/103224362
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/12/14/australia-bans-engineered-stone-silicosis-risk-news/