Key Takeaways
- AGB, the country’s largest stone fabricator, has opened a purpose-built zero-silica factory in Nelson, aiming to reduce the risk of silicosis lung cancer for its employees.
- The company’s co-owner, Cam Paranthoiene, believes that using zero-silica products is the way of the future for the industry and can provide peace of mind to staff and their families.
- The Australian Government has banned engineered stone with any silica level, while New Zealand is reviewing options concerning engineered stone safety rules.
- There is a lack of data in New Zealand on silicosis cases, and the Government is considering establishing a register to mandate the reporting of silicosis.
Introduction to the Issue
The use of engineered stone in construction and manufacturing has been linked to an increased risk of silicosis lung cancer, a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease. In response to this risk, AGB, the country’s largest stone fabricator, has taken a proactive approach by opening a purpose-built zero-silica factory in Nelson. According to Cam Paranthoiene, the company’s co-owner, this move is not only about reducing the risk of silicosis but also about providing peace of mind to staff and their families. By using zero-silica products, AGB aims to minimize the exposure of its employees to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a known cause of silicosis.
The Risks of Silicosis
Silicosis is a serious occupational disease that can occur when workers inhale RCS, which is commonly found in engineered stone, concrete, and other construction materials. The risk of silicosis is particularly high when workers are cutting or drilling into these materials without proper controls, such as wet-cutting or air monitoring. In fact, Scott, an expert in the field, notes that when workers are cutting holes for taps in kitchen or bathroom countertops, they can be exposed to up to 100 times the amount of RCS that they would be exposed to in a quarry. This highlights the need for effective controls and safe work practices to minimize the risk of silicosis.
The Australian Experience
In Australia, the Government has taken a strict approach to regulating engineered stone, banning products with any silica level. This move has been supported by the Council of Trade Unions and The Employers and Manufacturers’ Association. However, Paranthoiene argues that this approach may not be entirely logical, as it does not take into account the varying levels of silica in different products. He suggests that a more nuanced approach, which considers the level of risk associated with each product, may be more effective. Furthermore, Scott notes that Australia has established a register to mandate the reporting of silicosis, which has helped to identify high-risk industries and occupations.
The New Zealand Response
In New Zealand, the Government is reviewing options concerning engineered stone safety rules. Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden has stated that an evidence-based approach will be used when making decisions around engineered stone. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has received 68 submissions from diverse Kiwi businesses and organizations, and van Velden is considering MBIE’s advice before reporting back to Cabinet. Meanwhile, WorkSafe has been active in educating businesses and workers about the risks of RCS and silicosis, and has conducted inspections in workplaces fabricating engineered stone since 2019.
The Need for Data and Action
Despite the efforts of WorkSafe, there is still a lack of data in New Zealand on silicosis cases. Scott argues that this lack of data leads people to think that there is no problem, when in fact, people may be dying from lung cancer caused by their work without being identified. He believes that establishing a register to mandate the reporting of silicosis, similar to the one in Australia, would help to identify high-risk industries and occupations, and allow for targeted early intervention and preventive measures. Paranthoiene also emphasizes the need for action, rather than just talking about the issue. He suggests that Corporate New Zealand, which accounts for a significant portion of the market, could make a big difference by switching to zero-silica products.
Conclusion
The issue of silicosis lung cancer is a serious one, and it requires a proactive and evidence-based approach to reduce the risk of exposure to RCS. AGB’s decision to open a purpose-built zero-silica factory is a positive step towards minimizing the risk of silicosis, and other companies should consider following suit. The New Zealand Government’s review of options concerning engineered stone safety rules is a welcome development, and it is hoped that it will lead to effective action to protect workers from the risks of silicosis. Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of workers and to take a proactive approach to preventing silicosis, rather than just reacting to it after the fact.