A full ban on the use of engineered stone would double the cost of benchtops – which already make up about one-third of the cost of a kitchen renovation – for consumers choosing the upmarket alternative of porcelain, the head of producer Caesarstone says.
The report warned of a “dramatic increase in cases of silicosis and silica-related disease … particularly in workers who have been exposed to silica dust from processing engineered stone”, and said engineered stone workers were over-represented among people diagnosed with silicosis.“It shows very clearly why we need further action to protect workers from this deadly disease. No one should ever contract a terminal illness simply because they’ve turned up to work.
“It is critical for states and territories to take a nationally consistent, risk-managed approach to work, health and safety laws. Diversion away from this creates confusion and complexity, and compromises safety outcomes.” In its submission to Safe Work Australia, the Housing Industry Association lobby group said a full prohibition on the use of engineered stone – used for 60 per cent of the 215,500 residential kitchen and 446,700 bathroom benchtops installed in FY2021 – would hit 1000 businesses and 10,000 workers involved in installation and fabrication.