As we have seen in the media,  silicosis as a result of exposure to silica dust,  poses a significant occupational health risk. Whilst this risk has been known in the mining industry for some time, the emerging trend of silicosis relates to workers in the engineered stone bench top industry. Stone bench tops have a very high silica content. When workers grind and cut the stone they are exposed to silica dust which can cause silicosis.

As at 31 December 2019 WorkCover Queensland had undertaken health screening of 1,009 stonemasons who had been exposed to silica dust from engineered stone. 195 were diagnosed with a work related condition. 26 had progressive massive fibrosis; 10 had a non silicosis respiratory condition and 159 had silicosis.

The high incidence of accelerated silicosis, especially in Queensland, has led the Federal Government to establish a National Dust Disease Taskforce. This group is to develop a national approach for the prevention, early identification, control and management of dust disease in Australia.

The Taskforce Terms of Reference and further relevant information are contained in the below link.

https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-nat-dust-disease-taskforce.htm#tor