Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers from silica dust

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From July 1, Australia banned the use of engineered stone to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust.

Engineered stone is commonly used on kitchen surfaces and worktops, but the silica dust released when cutting and handling the stone poses a serious health risk if inhaled.

Australia bans engineered stone

Silica dust has been linked to serious diseases and incurable diseases such as lung cancer and silicosis, and now the Australian government has put action into place to protect workers in this industry. The widespread ban includes the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone.

The situation in Australia serves as a critical warning for the UK, where similar occupational health risks exist. Engineered stone is also widely used in the UK, and the dangers of silica dust are well-documented.

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidelines to control exposure to silica dust, but the rising cases of silicosis in Australia highlight the need for more stringent measures.

In the UK, health bodies such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) have urged the government for more protection for workers, as the use of engineered stone has risen in recent years.

However, the ban on engineered stone in Australia is a crucial step towards minimising industrial disease in workers. The new regulations in Australia, effective from September, will mandate enhanced control measures for all silica-containing materials, including water, dust extraction, and ventilation, and the UK should consider similar regulations to protect its workers.

Why the ban was necessary

Silicosis, an occupational lung disease, has been known for many years, affecting stonemasons and miners who inhaled silica dust. In Australia, construction and demolition workers have long been at risk, but the introduction of engineered stone, containing up to 90% silica, about a decade ago, led to a dramatic increase in silicosis cases.

Estimates suggest that one in four workers handling engineered stone has developed the disease. Following Safe Work Australia’s recommendation in October 2023, state and territory work health and safety ministers agreed to the ban in December 2023.

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.

Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a fine dust that can be easily inhaled.

Once inside the lungs, it causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Lung tissue that’s scarred in this way doesn’t function properly.

Silicosis symptoms

Symptoms usually take years to develop, and many people will not see the signs until they have stopped working with silica dust.

However, symptoms can worsen even if you are no longer exposed.

According to the NHS, Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years. However, with heavy exposure, it can develop within a matter of a few months. Symptoms include:

A persistent cough
Persistent shortness of breath
Weakness and tiredness

Silicosis causes

Silicosis is caused by inhaling Silica found in certain types of rock, stone, sand and clay. People who work in the following industries are particularly at risk:

Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone
Construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials
Worktop manufacturing and fitting
Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
Mining and quarrying
Sandblasting

Silicosis treatment

At present, there is no cure for Silicosis because lung damage cannot be reversed. However, there is treatment available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. There’s no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can’t be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

For example, you may be offered long-term home oxygen therapy if you’re having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood.

Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.

Silicosis claims

If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis, you may be able to claim compensation for the damages. Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your industrial disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.

If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny. If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we can assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.

Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.