I worked with engineered stone before the ban — what should I do?

First, get a baseline health screen — CT chest, pulmonary function, immunology — through your GP or a respiratory physician. State health departments offer free screening for engineered stone workers in some states. Second, get specialist legal advice. You may have valid claims even if you currently feel well — disease can develop or progress for years after exposure ends.

I worked for a small stonemasonry business that closed down — can I still claim?

Yes. Workers compensation insurance attaches to the employer at the time of exposure and is paid by the insurer regardless of whether the original business still exists. Common-law and product liability claims can also proceed against suppliers and product manufacturers — including imported stone manufacturers, who can be sued under Australian Consumer Law.

Why are engineered stone claims so urgent if there's no symptom?

Two reasons. First, claims are time-limited from the date of diagnosis or knowledge of disease — early diagnosis preserves all options. Second, lodging early protects future entitlements: claims structured properly preserve the right to additional compensation if disease progresses, while ongoing monitoring is funded under workers compensation.

Are there extra rights for engineered stone workers compared to other silicosis cases?

Several states have introduced enhanced support for engineered stone workers in particular: free health screening programs, dedicated support coordinators, and presumptive cover provisions in some workers compensation schemes. The 2024 ban also reinforces the case for product liability claims against engineered stone manufacturers and importers.

Engineered Stone Silicosis Compensation: After the Australian Ban

Background to the engineered stone ban

From 1 July 2024, engineered (artificial / reconstituted) stone has been prohibited from being used, supplied, manufactured or processed in Australia, under harmonised Work Health and Safety regulations agreed by all jurisdictions.

The ban followed years of advocacy after rapidly rising silicosis cases among stonemasons working with engineered stone. Engineered stone has very high crystalline silica content (commonly 90%+, vs 30% for natural granite), and dry-cutting practices common in small-shop fabrication produced extreme silica dust exposures.

The ban is forward-looking — it doesn't affect compensation rights for prior exposure. Workers who fabricated, cut, polished, or installed engineered stone before 1 July 2024 retain full claim entitlements. The ban itself reinforces the case for compensation by formally recognising the hazard.

Who is affected

Engineered stone exposure typically affects:

Stonemasons in benchtop fabrication shops — the highest-risk group
Apprentice and supervised workers in those shops
Kitchen and bathroom installers who cut benchtops on-site
Builders and renovators with regular exposure during fit-out
Family members exposed via dust on workers' clothing

Estimates published by Australian health authorities suggest tens of thousands of workers were exposed in Australia before the ban. Population health screening continues to identify new cases.

Free health monitoring

Several state health departments and SafeWork agencies offer free baseline and ongoing health screening for engineered stone workers. Programs typically include:

Detailed occupational history
HRCT chest scan
Pulmonary function testing
Specialist respiratory review

Take advantage of these. Early diagnosis preserves treatment options, supports better outcomes, and locks in your entitlement to compensation. Ask your GP for the relevant program in your state, or contact SafeWork in your jurisdiction.

Compensation pathways

Engineered stone silicosis claims have multiple recovery paths, often pursued in combination:

Workers compensation — statutory benefits (weekly payments, medical, lump sum impairment) through the state insurer of the employer at the time of exposure
Common-law damages against negligent employers — particularly where dry-cutting was permitted, ventilation was inadequate, or PPE was not provided
Product liability against engineered stone manufacturers and importers under Australian Consumer Law and state equivalents
TPD insurance for permanent incapacity — see TPD claim guide
Income protection for ongoing wage replacement
Dust Diseases Tribunal (NSW) for expedited resolution where applicable

Product liability against manufacturers

Australian Consumer Law allows claims against the manufacturer or importer of a product with a "safety defect." Engineered stone with very high crystalline silica content, supplied to small-shop fabricators without adequate warnings or controls, has supported successful product liability claims in Australia.

Many engineered stone products were imported. Under ACL, the importer is treated as the manufacturer for the purposes of liability. Specialist silicosis lawyers identify the responsible importer/manufacturer entity for each affected workplace.

Product liability claims commonly add substantial recovery on top of workers compensation entitlements — particularly for younger workers with significant economic loss.

Why to act now

Time limits run from diagnosis or awareness — getting a baseline screen now starts that clock with full options preserved
Disease can progress long after exposure stops — early diagnosis improves outcomes
Evidence of exposure conditions degrades over time — workplaces close, witnesses become unavailable
Settlements structured early can include provision for future deterioration
Mental health support and treatment are funded under workers comp from the date of claim

Free engineered stone claim assessment Specialist silicosis lawyers handle these claims on no-win-no-fee terms →