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90 % are in ‘ Other Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing ’ ( ANZSIC Group 209 , based on the industry of employment classification ), and
88 % are ‘ Bricklayers and Stonemasons ’ ( ANZSCO Unit group 3311 , based on the occupation of employment classification ).
The rate of silicosis diagnosis amongst engineered stone workers is much higher than in other workers exposed to RCS . According to the Australian Engineered Stone Advisory Group ( 2019 ), around 10,000 people work in engineered stone fabrication businesses in Australia . A recent Curtin University report estimates that 584,050 workers are currently exposed to RCS in the workplace workers in Australia ( Carey and Fritschi 2022 ), meaning that engineered stone workers represent less than 2 % of all those who are exposed to RCS at work . Figure 3 shows that 80 % of accepted silicosis compensation claims are from the manufacturing industry , with labour market breakdowns suggesting most of these are likely to be from the benchtop manufacturing industry . This suggests that engineered stone workers are dramatically over-represented amongst workers diagnosed with silicosis .
The increase in claims seen from 2018 – 19 onwards ( Figure 1 ), together with the concentration of these claims in the manufacturing sector ( Figure 3 ) coincides with concerted awareness raising and health screening efforts targeted at stone masons and engineered stone workers . Targeted screening of workers in other silica-exposed industries has not occurred to the same extent , and it is not known if a similar result would be found if this were to occur . Indicatively , a screening program aimed at Queensland ’ s mine and quarry workers saw a 27 % increase in diagnosed mine dust diseases , including but not limited to silicosis , between the 2021 – 22 and 2022 – 23 financial years ( The Daily Telegraph 2023 ).
2.7 Problem statement summary
There is a disproportionate number of cases of silicosis in engineered stone workers .
Silicosis in engineered stone workers is characterised by a shorter time to disease onset and faster disease progression .
This is due to combination of factors , including the unique hazards posed by engineered stone dust ( RCS , as well as other hazardous substances ), a lack of compliance with , and enforcement of , the WHS laws , and the nature of the engineered stone industry and workforce .
Given these factors , Government intervention to prohibit the use of engineered stone should be considered .
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 26 of 107