In recent years, employment in kitchen construction, particularly in the fabrication of engineered stone countertops, has been linked to an alarming rise in cases of silicosis. This life-threatening condition, which was often overlooked in its early stages, has been increasingly identified in Australia, and it has now led to the ban of silica-containing engineered stone products in Australia from July 2024.
Engineered Stone and the Silica Hazard
Engineered stone, commonly used as an alternative to marble in kitchen renovations and commercial construction, is composed primarily of quartz. This material can contain up to 90% silica, significantly higher than other natural stones like granite or sandstone. Cutting, grinding, and polishing engineered stone can release dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), putting workers at a heightened risk of developing silicosis.
The link between engineered stone and silicosis was first identified in 2012 when Israeli workers, exposed to high levels of dust from dry-cutting engineered stone, were diagnosed with severe silicosis. Since then, further investigations in Australia and the United States have uncovered numerous cases, many of which were diagnosed in advanced stages.
Silicosis
Silicosis can present with a wide range of symptoms, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure. Chronic silicosis, the most common form, develops slowly and is characterized by the formation of small nodules in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, persistent cough, and progressive lung damage. In cases of accelerated silicosis, typically seen in workers exposed to higher concentrations of silica, the disease can rapidly progress to severe lung fibrosis, often referred to as progressive massive fibrosis.
The treatment options for silicosis are limited, and once the disease has developed, there is no cure. Workers who have been diagnosed with silicosis face long-term health challenges and may require lung transplants in severe cases. This adds a layer of complexity to legal claims, as employers may be held liable for the medical costs and long-term care of affected workers.
Compensation for silicosis
Silicosis is entirely preventable through proper workplace safety practices. Employers in the kitchen construction and engineered stone fabrication industries have a legal and ethical obligation to implement measures that protect their workers. These include avoiding dry-cutting techniques, using engineering controls to minimize dust exposure, and providing workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Workers who work with engineered stone products and who develop silicosis are entitled to compensation.
Tanya Segelov of Segelov Taylor Lawyers has more than 25 years experience of acting for claimants with silicosis and other dust diseases. We act on a no win, no fee basis in all dust disease claims and offer a free, no obligation initial consultation to provide advice on legal rights and entitlements.
Contact Tanya today on 02 8880 05000 or tanya@segelovtaylor.com.au