Keeping workers safe at work

There was a time when asbestos was widely used and considered safe. It was an affordable and common material in construction found in homes, schools and countless other structures. We believed it to be a great innovation, resistant to heat and corrosion. But we now know the devastating health risks that we discovered later. Inhaling asbestos fibres led to severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Workers paid the price with their health and too often their lives.

Now, in 2025, we are facing a similar challenge. Another widely used material, engineered stone, is proving to be extremely dangerous. It is commonly found in benchtops, panels and slabs across Australian homes and workplaces. However, we know that exposure to respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone can cause deadly diseases, including silicosis. When a material is found to be unsafe, it is a government's responsibility to act. Those most at risk, workers who handle this material daily, deserve protection. That's why on 1 July last year Australia took a decisive action. In a world-first move, we joined with states and territories to ban the use, manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered-stone benchtops, panels and slabs. Just as we lead the way on asbestos regulation, Australia is now setting the global standard in eliminating engineered stone. Other nations are watching and will follow suit soon. When I spoke on this legislation in 2023, I made it clear: every worker has the right to return home from work safe. And nothing has changed. No-one should suffer long-term life-threatening illnesses because of their job, especially illnesses that only manifest years later. We must ensure that workers who have contributed so much to our country do not spend their retirement battling preventable diseases.

Видео Keeping workers safe at work канала Dan Repacholi MP