One of Australia’s largest retailers, Bunnings is set to cease the sale of engineered stone by the end of this year, responding to safety concerns and a recent report from Safe Work Australia.
The move follows a call for a complete ban on the product due to its association with a surge in silicosis cases among stonemasons.
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Safe Work Australia’s October report concluded that a ban on all engineered stone was the only viable solution, citing the “unacceptable risk to workers”.
The report has highlighted the increased risk of silicosis, a serious lung disease, among workers in the engineered stone industry.
Bunnings will discontinue its limited range of engineered stone products from December 31.
The decision aligns with the indication from several state governments, including New South Wales, that legislation will be introduced to ban the product.
Jen Tucker, Bunnings Director of Merchandise, said the decision was made in response to the reports and the potential future ban, allowing suppliers and customers time to adapt.
“While there has been clear indication from NSW and other state governments that they will legislate a ban on the product, we are proactively making this decision to allow suppliers and customers time to prepare for a transition,” he said.
“Our decision to stop selling engineered stone was directly in response to the reports released and the prospect of a ban on the sale in the near future.”
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) welcomed Bunnings’ decision, saying the decision marked the “end of the line for engineered stone”.
The CFMEU has previously threatened its own ban on members working with engineered stone if government action wasn’t taken.
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