Leading the Way: Victoria Bans Engineered Stone to Protect Workers
In a bold move to safeguard the health of hardworking Victorians, the state government, led by the Allan Labor team, has announced a ban on the use of engineered stone starting from July this year. This decision marks a significant step towards reducing the risks associated with crystalline silica, a component known for causing the deadly lung disease, silicosis.
Understanding Engineered Stone and Its Impacts
Engineered stone, often used for countertops and similar surfaces, is made from quartz crystals bonded together with resins. While durable and aesthetically pleasing, the dust created during its cutting and installation poses severe health risks. Inhaling this fine dust can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease that has tragically claimed the lives of workers exposed to it.
Timeline for the Ban
- From January 1, 2024, businesses and consumers are asked not to enter into new contracts for engineered stone products, as these contracts may not be able to be legally fulfilled after the ban.
- On July 1, 2024, the ban on manufacturing, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs will come into effect in Victoria.
- After July 1, 2024, Victorian employers will no longer be permitted to carry out work involving the manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone.
- However, an exception will be made for the removal, repair or minor modification of engineered stone products that were installed in premises before July 1, 2024. This work will still be subject to existing control requirements and additional high-risk crystalline silica work regulations.
- Until the ban takes effect on July 1, 2024, Victoria’s existing laws relating to exposure to crystalline silica dust and working with engineered stone will continue to protect workers.
In summary, the ban on engineered stone in Victoria will be implemented from July 1, 2024, with a transition period from January 1, 2024 where new contracts for engineered stone are discouraged.
A United Front for National Health
Recognising the urgency and severity of the issue, the Victorian government has collaborated with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to discuss a national ban on engineered stone. Both Victoria and Queensland are at the forefront of this initiative, with plans to implement the ban by July, following Victoria’s lead in establishing stringent regulations and the first licensing scheme in Australia for businesses handling crystalline silica.
Transition to Safer Practices
From July 1st, Victorian businesses will no longer be able to manufacture, supply, process, or install engineered stone. However, exceptions will be made for necessary work involving the removal, repair, or minor modification of products installed before this date. Such activities will still need to comply with the stringent controls already in place for engineered stone, alongside additional regulations concerning high-risk crystalline silica tasks.Until the ban is fully implemented, existing laws governing exposure to crystalline silica dust and the handling of engineered stone will continue to protect our hardworking Victorians.
Proactive Measures and Support
Back in 2019, the Victorian government established the Silica Action Plan, which includes various measures aimed at preventing exposure to crystalline silica dust and offering early intervention and support for those affected. A notable achievement under this plan was the creation of Australia’s only dedicated public hospital occupational respiratory clinic, a joint effort between WorkSafe and The Alfred hospital.
Leadership and Commitment
Danny Pearson, the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, emphasized Victoria’s leadership role: “Victoria is once again leading the nation on keeping workers safe from deadly silicosis by banning engineered stone from July this year.” He highlighted the undeniable evidence of the risks associated with engineered stone and expressed a firm commitment to worker safety, stating, “I don’t want to see any more Victorian workers die because of a kitchen benchtop.”
The Way Forward
With this decisive action, Victoria not only continues its tradition of pioneering worker safety regulations but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow. The upcoming ban is a clear message about the importance of health over aesthetics in the workplace, ensuring that the well-being of our hardworking Victorians is prioritised above all.
