Australian national union federation ACTU has welcomed a 22 March 2024 decision by the country\u2019s Labor government and work health and safety (WHS) ministers to move closer to a full ban on engineered stone and implement new regulations to protect all workers from exposure to silica dust.<\/p>\n
ACTU assistant secretary Liam O\u2019Brien: \u201cNext month we mark International Workers\u2019 Memorial Day, a day where we remember those who have lost their lives at work and fight to ensure others don\u2019t have the same fate. The passing of these protections is a fitting tribute and testament to the hard work of unions in keeping us all safe at work.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnions will always fight to keep workers safe from harm. Unions thank WHS Ministers for listening to workers and health experts in banning engineered stone. None of this would\u2019ve been possible without the campaign of unions, like the CFMEU, and organisations that demanded strong action to keep workers safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe war on silicosis is not over until these new rules are in place, properly enforced, and employers and workers are aware of them. The best way to protect yourself and your workmates is to join your union.\u201d<\/p>\n