The Australian dream of gleaming modern kitchens with polished stone benchtops has come at a terrible price.
For many years the main diseases caused by dust were caused by asbestos. However, recently a new, aggressive, and entirely man-made epidemic has arisen: accelerated silicosis caused by engineered stone.
What is Engineered Stone and Why is it so Dangerous?
Unlike natural stone like marble or granite which contains low levels of silica, engineered stone is a composite material containing up to 95% crystalline silica. This silica is pulverised and mixed with resin to create a durable, fashionable product.
The very high engineered stone products were offered under brand names such as Caesarstone. Since 1 July 2024 it has been unlawful to import or manufacture engineered stone products with levels of silica.
However, there is still a great deal of the silica material around. The danger lies in the dust. When this material is cut, ground, or polished, it releases vast quantities of microscopic crystalline silica dust into the air. This dust is so fine it bypasses the body’s natural defences and lodges deep within the lungs. The lung tissue reacts to these sharp, foreign particles by forming scar tissue (fibrosis) around them. This scarring stiffens the lungs, making it progressively harder to breathe. This is silicosis.
Because the concentration of silica is so high in engineered stone, workers can develop “accelerated silicosis,” a severe form of the disease that can develop after just a few years of exposure, rather than decades. It is a progressive, irreversible, and often fatal condition.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who fabricated and installed benchtops containing high silica engineered stone is at the highest risk, they are not alone. Anyone who has worked in the vicinity of this dust is in danger. This includes:
- Workers in cabinet-making workshops.
- Plumbers, electricians, and other tradies who may need to cut into installed benchtops.
- Workers involved in demolishing or renovating kitchens and bathrooms containing engineered stone.
Employers have a strict duty of care to protect their workers from this hazard. This includes providing proper ventilation, water-suppression (wet cutting) tools, and high-quality respiratory protection. Failure to provide a safe workplace is negligence.
Your Right to Significant Compensation
A silicosis diagnosis is devastating, but you do not have to face the consequences alone. A compensation claim can provide crucial financial support. Damages can be claimed for:
- Pain and Suffering: A significant lump sum for the impact the disease has had on your life and your shortened life expectancy.
- Economic Loss: Compensation for all past and future wages you have lost and will lose due to your inability to work.
- Medical Costs and Care: The cost of all necessary treatment, including medication, oxygen, physiotherapy, and in some cases, the substantial cost of a future lung transplant. This also includes payment for care provided by family members.
Silicosis claims are complex and require lawyers with specific expertise in this emerging field. We understand the science, the industry practices, and how to hold negligent employers and manufacturers to account. If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, contact Segelov Taylor for a free, confidential discussion about securing your future.