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04 Jan 2024

NSW Government Bans Engineered Stone Due to Silicosis Danger

NSW Government Bans Engineered Stone Due to Silicosis Danger

The New South Wales Government has announced that it will prohibit the manufacture, supply and use of engineered stone, coming into effect from 1 July 2024.

New South Wales has joined most other states and territories in agreeing to ban the dangerous product.

The decision was made after careful consideration of the Safe Work Australia Decision Regulatory Impact Statement which found there was no safe level of silica in engineered stone.

Rates of silicosis and silica related diseases in Australian workers have risen substantially in recent years, with a disproportionate number of diagnoses among engineered stone workers.

SafeWork NSW said it will continue to ensure compliance with work health and safety requirements, including site visits and issuing penalties to any operator who is non-compliant.

In addition to the ban on engineered stone, the Ministers responsible for Work Health and Safety (WHS) have assigned Safe Work Australia with the task of further enhancing regulations in this area.

To finalise the implementation of the ban, including addressing legacy products and transitional arrangements for contracts signed before 13 December, the WHS Ministers plan to convene again in March 2024.

There is a commitment among the WHS Ministers to maintain consistent nationwide consultation and communication, ensuring that workers, unions, businesses, and consumers are all well-informed and involved.

The New South Wales Government has expressed its appreciation for the Federal Government's commitment to implementing an eventual import ban on engineered stone, further strengthening the initiatives undertaken to safeguard worker health and safety.

Sophie Cotsis, the Minister for Work Health and Safety in New South Wales, extended her congratulations and appreciation to all workers, unions, medical experts, and businesses that joined forces and campaigned together for this decision. Their collective efforts have played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.

“This is about saving lives, the evidence is in, and the State Government has been a strong advocate for this,” Ms Cotsis said. 

“My message to businesses and consumers is this: it’s time for you to stop buying this stuff. Don’t enter into any further contracts.”

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