The rise in silicosis cases across Australia has prompted a national response from safety regulators, primarily targeting the engineered stone industry, but extending to address the risks from exposure to respirable crystalline silica dusts in other industries.
Since 2018, there have been 56 recorded cases of silicosis in WA; of those, 50 were workers in the engineered stone industry. This over-representation of engineered stone workers reflects the elevated risk associated with working on engineered stone, which can contain up to 95 per cent crystalline silica.
Despite efforts by engineered stone manufacturers to develop products with lower silica content, the risk to workers is deemed too high. In response, Safe Work Australia, in consultation with safety regulators nationwide, has recommended a prohibition on the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone slabs, panels and benchtops. This prohibition will take effect in WA on 1 July 2024.
Until the prohibition takes effect, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers must ensure proper control measures are in place for any work involving engineered stone.
In Western Australia (WA), a person must not use a power tool on engineered stone, unless the use is controlled. The use of a power tool is controlled if it is used with:
- an integrated water delivery system that supplies a continuous feed of water; or
- a commercially available on tool extraction ventilation system connected to a Dust Class H vacuum, or other suitable systems that captures dust; or
- where the above is not reasonably practicable, local exhaust ventilation.
In addition to the above, the worker must use respiratory protective equipment which complies with AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory protective devices.
In March, Work Health and Safety Ministers met and most jurisdictions, including WA, decided a transitional period of six months to 31 December 2024 will be implemented after the 1 July ban. The WA Government recognises there are businesses and consumers who have already entered into contracts to obtain engineered stone products. Contracts entered into before 1 January 2024 may be honoured during the transitional period ending on 31 December 2024.
Engineered stone benchtops already installed in homes do not pose a health hazard, as the
finished product does not release dust. However, those working with already installed engineered stone, for example to remove it, will need to notify WorkSafe.
Additionally, further regulations will be implemented for high-risk silica work in other sectors, commencing in September 2024. This will include the requirement to document a silica risk control plan for high-risk crystalline silica processes, provide silica specific training, conduct air and health monitoring, and report exceedances of the workplace exposure standard for silica to WorkSafe. These regulations will apply to general industries in WA as the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 already contain equivalent provisions. WorkSafe will provide further information on the new requirements.
Further information
Further informationSee Prohibition on the use of engineered stone for more information.
