Maurice Blackburn welcomes lifesaving national ban on deadly engineered stone

13 December 2023

Maurice Blackburn represents hundreds of workers who have been diagnosed with deadly silicosis and other silica related autoimmune diseases following exposure to silica dust in engineered stone products.

Principal lawyer Jonathan Walsh, who specialises in representing workers affected by dust diseases including silicosis, said the ban would protect workers and save lives.

“In our line of work, every day we see the devastating impacts of exposure to deadly silica dust.

“The popularity of engineered stone products like kitchen and bathroom benchtops has caused significant harm to workers exposed to silica.

“Silica exposure causes silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease, as well as other serious diseases like emphysema and scleroderma.

“Workplace safety advocates including doctors, scientists, unions and lawyers have long supported a ban on engineered stone.

“This ban will drastically reduce the number of people affected by silicosis and related diseases in the future.

“Like asbestos, there is no safe level of workplace exposure to silica dust.

“We welcome this ban on engineered stone. It will save lives and protect countless others from diseases caused by dangerous silica dust.”

Media enquiries: Chee Chee Leung, 0412 560 584 or cleung@mauriceblackburn.com.au