This Decision RIS summarises outcomes of the further analysis and consultation on a prohibition of engineered stone and makes recommendations to WHS ministers on next steps .
This Decision RIS should be read in conjunction with the Silica Decision RIS , which contains a more complete introduction to the risks posed by RCS in the workplace .
This Chapter summarises new information since the Silica Decision RIS was finalised in February 2023 . Chapter 2 expands on risks specific to RCS generated from engineered stone .
1.3 The case for government intervention
Silicosis and silica-related diseases pose an unacceptable health risk to workers . There are significant financial and non-financial costs associated with being diagnosed with silicosis and / or a silica-related disease , including significant physical and emotional harm , reduced ability to work , reduced quality of life and premature death of workers . There are also significant costs to the public health system , including for health screening , diagnosis , treatment and disease management .
The disproportionate number of cases , and age of diagnosis of silicosis and silica-related diseases in engineered stone workers , and the impacts on these workers , their families and communities present an urgent case for government intervention . Further details on the need for government action are included in the Silica Decision RIS .
1.4 Objectives of government intervention
The primary objective of government intervention is to reduce workplace exposure to RCS from engineered stone in Australia , with the ultimate aim of eliminating silicosis , a preventable disease , and other silica-related diseases in engineered stone workers . This is consistent with the shared objective in the All of Australian Governments ’ response to the National Dust Disease Taskforce final report of eliminating silicosis amongst workers and increasing the quality of life for those already impacted and their families ( Australian Government 2022 ).
1.5 Purpose and scope of this Decision Regulation Impact Statement
The purpose of this Decision RIS is to consider and make recommendations to WHS ministers on the preferred options for a prohibition on engineered stone .
As explained in Section 2.2 , RCS exposure from working with engineered stone can lead to earlier onset and more severe disease . The scope of this Decision RIS includes all workplaces subject to the model WHS laws and where workers use engineered stone .
Victoria has not implemented the model WHS laws , and therefore workplaces in Victoria are out of the scope of this Decision RIS . However , recent amendments to the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 were considered in developing the options . The Victorian amendments include the introduction of a licensing scheme for employers working with engineered stone ( defined as containing 40 % or more crystalline silica ), duties on manufacturers and suppliers of engineered stone , and additional regulatory oversight of high risk crystalline silica work outside of engineered stone across a broad range of industries ( WorkSafe Victoria 2021 ).
The import of engineered stone is out of scope of this Decision RIS as importation prohibitions are within the remit of the Commonwealth . The Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is currently exploring an import ban on engineered stone , and the Agency understands this will involve consulting with states , territories and other affected parties on the effect of the ban .
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 12 of 107