NSW set to ban engineered stone benchtops by end of 2023

·

The New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said a state ban may be announced for the use of silica-engineered stone if a national agreement isn’t reached by the end of 2023.

NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis told a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday that the government would consider abandoning plans for a national ban of the deadly product, if the agreement isn’t reached prior to the end of the year.

Ms Costis said she supported banning the product “as soon as possible” and said it had been “a long time coming.”

benchtop
An investigation which took place earlier this year found an increased number of workers battling the debilitating symptoms of silicosis. Photo: Nine News.

“We need to get this right at a national level. We don’t want to see this drag out like what happened with asbestos,” Ms Cotsis said.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, state and territory ministers were criticised last month after they failed to announce a ban on the deadly engineered stone responsible for a health epidemic among tradies.

State-based regulators were found to have failed to effectively examine workplaces for the crystalline silica dust found in the stone used in kitchen benchtops.

Statistics showed the engineered stone can contain up to 95 per cent crystalline silica and is responsible for a surge in lung disease in stonemasons and other tradespeople. 

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

How the US military base on Crete helped power the stealth bombing of Iran

A major part of the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities unfolded quietly from Souda Bay military base on Crete.

Israel agrees to ceasefire after claiming to neutralise Iran threat

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has officially come into effect, according to former US President Donald Trump.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch visits survivors of deadly church attack in Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, has visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

Greek women make history at Brisbane Jazz Club

'Girl From Greece,' by singers Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos, is the first Greek-led project to perform at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

Ersin Tatar compares Turkish Cypriots to Palestinians

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has drawn a controversial comparison between Cyprus and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

You May Also Like

Councillor Harry Stavrinos opposes plan to double housing targets in Sydney’s west

Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Harry Stavrinos has criticised a plan to build 4,000 new homes in Wiley Park and Punchbowl.

Firefighters applaud outside Greek hospitals to show their gratitude to health workers [VIDEO]

Firefighters in Thessaloniki, Greece, lined up their fire brigades outside AHEPA University Hospital and applauded medical staff treating COVID-19 patients.

8 Zimbabwean young footballers trial for Panathinaikos

8 promising young footballers from the City Football Academy are set to trial for two European football teams, Spain's Barcelona and Greece's Panathinaikos.