The Western Australian Government is backing a national ban on using engineered stone due to the high number of cases of silicosis among workers in this industry. 43 of the 48 cases of silicosis recorded in the state since 2018 involved workers employed in the engineered stone industry.
'The rate of silicosis, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease, in WA is unacceptable.'
This decision comes as other states and big retailers like Bunnings, IKEA, and Mitre 10 are also moving away from these deadly products.
In making the announcement WA’s Industrial Relations Minister referred to the Safe Work Australia report recommending the prohibition, highlighting there's no known safe level of silica in engineered stone.
Several other states and territories have already revealed plans to vote for the ban at a planned meeting of Australia's WHS ministers, next month.