A government review into health risks from working with engineered stone has opened.
The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden, has launched a three-month consultation to assess current practices in managing the risk of accelerated silicosis. This occupational disease is caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust generated during work with engineered stone benchtops.
WorkSafe currently leads education and enforcement efforts to ensure businesses control these risks. However, Minister van Velden has expressed concern that inspections have found inconsistent risk management practices across the industry. The minister aims to gather feedback on what measures would be effective in managing the risks and is considering a range of regulatory responses, including strengthening current requirements or implementing a full ban.
Several countries have implemented additional regulations to manage respirable crystalline silica risks, with Australia being the only country to impose a complete ban on engineered stone. The consultation will explore options for New Zealand, which include maintaining the status quo, mandatory controls in fabrication, licensing of workplaces, increased general duties, and health monitoring.
The public is invited to provide feedback through the MBIE website, with the consultation open for three months.