Lung Foundation Australia commends Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to ban the use of all engineered stone products, following the release of their report today.
While there has been a lot of noise opposing the ban, particularly from engineered stone lobby groups, a safe level of silica in engineered stone products cannot be determined.
The latest Australian research shows one in four stonemasons will develop this debilitating, often fatal and completely preventable disease and its resurgence is directly related to the popularity of engineered stone, a fashion product.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers met to discuss this recommendation today, and we hope they act swiftly and commit to banning the use of all engineered stone products. While banning these products will not eliminate silicosis, it will protect those workers who are involved in very high risk work processes.
If you or someone you know is impacted by silicosis, you’re not alone. Lung Foundation Australia offers free support services including an expert nurse, social worker and peer support groups.
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For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
annah@lungfoundation.com.au
About Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia is the only charity and leading peak body of its kind in Australia that funds life-changing research and delivers support services that give hope to those affected. Since 1990, we have been working to ensure lung health is a priority for all, from promoting lung health and early diagnosis, advocating for policy change and research investment, raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of lung disease and championing equitable About Us access to treatment and care.
Our Vision
Lung Foundation Australia enables life-saving lung health and lung cancer research, and champions programs so that Australians with lung disease and lung cancer can live their best life.
Our Mission
By 2030, Lung Foundation Australia will be recognised as one of the world’s most innovative and effective lung health charities and a fearless leader of lung health and lung cancer policy, programs and research.
Our Values
Bold | be proactive and take risks that achieve our Mission.
Entrepreneurial | be focused on outcomes.
Fair | be equitable and work in the interests of all our stakeholders, particularly patients and their carers.
Agile | create positive change.
Innovative | be inventive to achieve our Mission.
Respectful | be honest and work hard every day in every way – we are funded by the community, they should expect nothing less.
Strategic Pillars
- Healthy lungs for all
- Australia’s lung health research funding incubator
- Impactful and meaningful lung disease programs and support
- Valuing our people
- Purposeful leadership and ethical governance.
Find out more at www.lungfoundation.com.au