Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Australia to Ban Engineered Stone from July 2024”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
From July 1, 2024, Australia will ban the use of engineered stone, commonly used for kitchen benchtops. Australia is the first country in the world to announce a ban on this engineered stone product.
Workplace safety ministers and commissioners reached an agreement at a meeting on Wednesday (December 13). After states and territories signed off on worker protection measures, Australia will implement a nationwide ban on engineered stone products, i.e., artificial stone, from July 1, 2024.
The federal government stated that it will enforce a mandatory customs ban on engineered stone imported into Australia as part of the national prohibition. Australia will become the first country in the world to ban the use of engineered stone.
This product has been described as "modern asbestos," causing incurable and fatal silicosis in many workers who handle the material.
The new ban was approved following the release of a Safe Work Australia report commissioned by authorities, which called for a nationwide ban on engineered stone. Although the report noted that a ban is the most expensive option, it stated that it would protect workers' health.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) had previously stated that if the government did not impose a ban, the union would implement its own ban from July next year.
Engineered stone is commonly used for kitchen benchtops. Hardware chains Bunnings and Mitre 10 have announced they will phase out sales of the product.
Industry Welcomes the Ban
Safe Work Australia said the ban will make Australian construction sites "safer and healthier."
Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland said in a statement: "The increase in cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases caused by inhaling crystalline silica in the workplace is unacceptable."
“The vast majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years have occurred among engineered stone workers. Many of these cases involve young workers, with faster disease progression and higher mortality rates.”
She acknowledged that while the cost of the ban to the industry is real, it cannot compare to the immense cost borne by workers, their families, and the community.
The CFMEU also welcomed the ban, calling it "life-saving."
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) said that while the ban on engineered stone should be "celebrated," more measures are needed to protect workers' health.
PHAA CEO Terry Slevin said: "Engineered stone is the most obvious example of a hazardous product, but there are other dangerous products. Perhaps their effects are less immediate or less intense, but they still unfairly rob honest, hardworking Australians of their health."
“Efforts to reduce this harm and make work—all work—safer and healthier remain an important priority.”
Source: Read the original article | Published: December 14, 2023