Maurice Blackburn urges broader action on silicosis in wake of lifesaving ban on deadly engineered stone

14 December 2023

Maurice Blackburn represents hundreds of workers diagnosed with deadly silicosis and other silica related autoimmune diseases following exposure to silica dust.

Principal lawyer Jonathan Walsh, who specialises in representing workers affected by dust diseases, urged Australia’s leaders to build on the momentum of the engineered stone ban.

“We welcome the announcement that state, territory and federal governments will ban engineered stone in Australia. This will save lives and protect countless others from debilitating disease.

“But the problem of silica exposure and rampant rates of silica-related disease does not stop with a ban of engineered stone. This is only the beginning.

“Every day, 600,000 workers are exposed to silica dust, and the focus must now turn to all workers who have been exposed to excessive silica.

“We cannot forget the catastrophic rates of silica disease among our miners, quarry workers, tunnellers and other construction workers.

“Let’s build on the momentum created by this world-leading ban on engineered stone and take steps to protect all workers in Australia exposed to deadly silica dust.”

Media enquiries: Chee Chee Leung, 0412 560 584 or cleung@mauriceblackburn.com.au