- Cook Government will support the national ban on all future use of engineered stone
- Dust generated by working with engineered stone is a severe health risk to workers
- Next Work Health and Safety Ministers’ meeting to decide on national ban
The Cook Government announced today it will support the prohibition of the future use of engineered stone in Western Australian workplaces due to the risk of silicosis to workers.
A recent report from Safe Work Australia found there is no known safe level of silica in engineered stone, and concluded the use of all engineered stone should be prohibited.
The impact on business of a ban was also considered in the Safe Work Australia report.
WA has recorded 48 cases of silicosis since 2018, and 43 involve workers employed in the engineered stone industry, based on reports to WorkSafe.
The Cook Government considers this information as indicative of the risks of working with engineered stone, which is why it supports WA joining other jurisdictions in supporting a proposed national ban on the future use of engineered stone.
How this ban could be introduced will be discussed at the next Work Health and Safety Ministers’ meeting in December 2023.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
“There is currently no information on what a safe level of silica in engineered stone is.
“The rate of silicosis, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease, in WA is unacceptable.
“The Cook Government takes the issue of worker health and safety very seriously and recognises the need for urgent action.”
