The work safety watchdog has recommended a complete ban on the use of engineered stone products in order to protect workers from developing deadly diseases.
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Workplace health and safety ministers agreed to release the Safe Work Australia report into engineered stone following a meeting on Friday.
The report, commissioned by ministers in February, examined which steps would be needed to protect workers from the health risks of engineered stone, such as the incurable and deadly disease silicosis.
Safe Work Australia examined options including a licensing scheme, a ban on engineered stone with high levels of silica or a complete ban.
The report found while the complete ban was the most expensive option, it was the necessary move to stop more workers developing illnesses.
"The cost to industry, while real and relevant, cannot outweigh the significant costs to Australian workers, their families and the broader community that result from exposure to respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone," the report said.
"To date, we have failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers working with engineered stone."
An estimated 600,000 workers have been exposed to silica dust generated through mining, construction, building and manufacturing.
Engineered stone products commonly include kitchen benchtops.
Federal, state and territory workplace ministers will meet later this year to determine what steps to take following the report's release.
Federal minister Tony Burke said the report's findings were powerful and compelling.
"It shows very clearly why we need further action to protect workers from this deadly disease," he said.
"No one should ever contract a terminal illness simply because they've turned up to work.
"The government is working with the states and territories on a co-operative national response."
The Safe Work report said a previous lack of information about the risks of working around engineered stone products was "problematic".
"The nature of the engineered stone industry has also arguably contributed to non-compliance and hence the extent of cases of silicosis in the industry," the report said.
"Removing engineered stone as a source of respirable crystalline silica is expected to lead to a range of long-term benefits including reduced illness and death, increase quality of life for workers and avoided health system costs and improved workplace productivity."
Safe Work Australia estimates the implementation and first 10 years of a ban of engineered stone would cost $251.1 million.
The report said there was no evidence that engineered stone with lower silica levels posed less risk to the health and safety of workers.
Mr Burke said earlier on Friday the timeline of any such ban would be in the hands of states and territories.
CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said engineered stone needed to be banned immediately following the report's findings, and those who opposed such moves had "blood on their hands".
"This report is the final nail in the coffin of the killer stone. There is simply no option for federal and state ministers now aside from banning this deadly product," he said.
"The science has always been clear: there is no safe exposure to engineered stone. Anyone suggesting otherwise wants to kill workers."
ACTU assistant secretary Liam O'Brien said the ban would save lives and should be implemented "at the earliest opportunity".
A previous national task force on dust diseases recommended governments begin considering a ban from July next year.
Australian Associated Press
