The Minns Labor Government has welcomed the Federal Government's ban on the importation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels with a silica content of more than one percent from 1 January 2025.
This follows the world-first domestic ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products that have a silica content of more than one percent in Australia that started on 1 July this year.
The proposed ban on importation aims to reduce the availability of banned engineered stone products to help prevent silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in small particles of silica dust.
In NSW there were 115 new silicosis cases between July 2023 and June 2024, and ten people sadly died from the disease.
In addition, new work health safety requirements for the processing of crystalline silica substances began on 1 September 2024, and SafeWork NSW's Silica Compliance Team has inspectors on the ground to educate and enforce these new laws. Employers can face penalties up to $40,000 for non-compliance.
For more information on SafeWork's silica compliance work, please visit: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/hazardous-chemical/priority-chemicals/crystalline-silica/engineered-stone-ban
Quotes attributable to Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis:
"I welcome this importation ban, which is the next logical step to further reducing silicosis and creating safer workplaces.
"As it is illegal to use, supply and manufacture engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels with a silica content of more than one percent, we don't need those products entering the country.
"Silicosis is preventable, and this step reinforces our commitment to removing dangerous exposure to silica dust from engineered stone, saving lives in the process.
"No one deserves to have their health compromised due to their working environment. Every worker deserves to come home safely at the end of their day.
"I congratulate the Commonwealth for implementing the ban that will keep these dangerous products out of the country"
Quotes attributable to Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin:
"SafeWork NSW welcomes today's announcement as a significant move in the fight against silicosis and will ensure workers across the state are much safer at work.
"Evidence strongly suggests exposure to respirable crystalline silica when working with engineered stone can lead to silicosis and other serious lung diseases.
"SafeWork Inspectors will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to workers' lives being endangered through exposure to deadly crystalline silica dust."
