The Rockliff Liberal Government has supported a prohibition on engineered stone following the release of an impact statement by SafeWork Australia recommending the ban.
Prepared at the request of Australia's Work Health and Safety Ministers, SafeWork Australia's Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of Engineered Stone recommends the ban citing the clear risk to workers posed by the practice.
Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the impact statement makes clear the risks associated with the use of engineered stone to workers.
"The Decision Regulation Impact Statement states there is no scientific evidence of a safe level of exposure to silica dust generated from the cutting of engineered stone, with silicosis presenting an unacceptable health risk to workers," said Minister Ogilvie.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government supports the prohibition on engineered stone to ensure the safety of Tasmanian workers.
"Every worker has a right to be safe at work, each and every day", Minister Ogilvie said.
The agreement to publish SafeWork Australia's impact statement on engineered stone came during a meeting of Commonwealth, state and territory WHS ministers in late October.
The report was prepared by SafeWork Australia and informed by stakeholder consultation, independent economic analysis, and an expert review of evidence.
"Our Government values a nationally consistent approach to ensuring that Tasmanian workers are not placed at risk, simply by going to work," said Minister Ogilvie.
"I look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders, businesses and other jurisdictions in relation to this significant matter for our State and our Nation, including in relation to important transitional pathways for Tasmanian businesses and industry."
