distribution networks to transition to alternative products . Suppliers have confirmed that the impacts of Option 2 and Option 3 would be relatively more manageable . Lower silica engineered stone already accounts for a significant proportion of the market ( around 40 % of market activity based on data from submissions ).
B . 3 Defining engineered stone PCBUs
Engineered stone PCBUs predominantly fabricate ( cut , shape , polish ) and install new engineered stone . Workers in this industry are at the greatest risk of exposure to engineered stone RCS as they cut , polish , and grind engineered stone " slabs " into the required shape and size . This can occur either in the fabrication workshop or during installation ( Australian Engineered Stone Advisory Group , 2019 ).
Most engineered stone workers are not required to obtain any formal qualifications or training . The requisite skills and techniques for working with engineered stone are learned through experience and " on the job training ", which invariably differs between engineered stone PCBUs . 45 Engineered stone workers can use a range of equipment to process engineered stone , ranging from computer controlled cutting devices to handheld tools such as electric blades and angle grinders for cutting and " pads " for polishing and shaping the surface . 46
B . 3.1 Number of engineered stone PCBUs
There are an estimated 750 to 1,250 PCBUs working with engineered stone in Australia ( ASEAG , 2019 ). While data limitations prevent an accurate estimation of the number of PCBUs , feedback provided during consultation to inform this Decision RIS confirmed that 1,000 was a realistic estimation of the number of PCBUs working with engineered stone in Australia . 47
Victorian engineered stone PCBUs are excluded from consideration in this Decision RIS because Victoria has not adopted the model WHS laws . It is acknowledged that there is likely to be some cross border activity between Victorian engineered stone PCBUs and other states . For the purposes of this Decision RIS , we have assumed this cross border activity will cancel each other out .
No growth has been assumed for the number of engineered stone PCBUs over the appraisal period , given no historical growth rates are available and reflecting that the industry will be going through a period of change . In addition , the proposed prohibition options primarily impact existing businesses . Future businesses will be able to decide to enter the industry or not given knowledge of the regulatory environment . Similarly , no growth has been assumed for the number of workers employed by engineered stone PCBUs .
B . 3.2 Size of engineered stone PCBUs
Market research commissioned by the National Dust Disease Taskforce indicates that sole traders and small businesses comprise most of the industry , while medium businesses have a smaller representation ( Quantum Market Research , 2021 ).
For the purposes of this assessment , businesses have been classified into the categories shown in the table below , consistent with those used for the Silica Decision RIS .
45 ibid
46 ibid
47
Caesarstone submission mentions 1,000 engineered stone PCBUs .
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 73 of 107