A union has applauded Ikea Australia for removing kitchen benchtops made from engineered stone from its shelves due to concerns that workers could contract silicosis.
The furniture retailer said engineered stone benchtops form “just part of the IKEA range” and “many alternative materials are available.”
“IKEA Australia works with suppliers to supply and install engineered stone benchtops. We work closely with these suppliers to ensure the highest safety standards for environmental and working conditions are followed,” Ikea said.
“We strongly support a nationally aligned approach from governments to provide clarity and ensure coordinated action across the country.”
The report noted that workers handling engineered stone were being diagnosed with silicosis at a “much younger age” than workers from other industries.
“There is no toxicological evidence of a ‘safe’ threshold of crystalline silica content in engineered stone, or that other chemicals found in engineered stone do not pose a health risk to workers,” the report stated.
Zach Smith, the national secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), backed Ikea’s decision, saying he hoped this was the “end of the line for engineered stone.”
“Bunnings and Ikea have beaten our federal, state, and territory governments to the punch,” Mr. Smith said on Nov. 15.
“When even a massive corporation that, until now, has put profits over workers’ lives concedes it’s lost any remaining social licence to sell this killer stone, no government can squib it on a ban.”
He said there was an “unstoppable momentum” in phasing out engineered stone and called on other retailers to follow suit.
“We know this product is killing one in four workers through silicosis and a variety of other deadly dust disease,” Mr. Smith told reporters.
Ikea Joins Bunnings
On Nov. 14, Bunnings announced it would end the sale of engineered stone bench tops by the end of the year and stop selling its limited product range in stores in New Zealand and Australia from Dec. 31.The hardware chain’s Merchandise Director Jen Tucker, said the decision was made ahead of government action and would give its suppliers certainty about future sourcing of materials.
Most benchtops sold in Bunnings stores were laminate and timber, Ms. Tucker noted.
“While there has been clear indication from New South Wales and other state governments that they will legislate a ban on the product, we are proactively making this decision to allow suppliers and customers time to prepare for a transition,” she said.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie supported the move and called on the state and federal governments to impose a nationwide ban on the material.
“It’s really embarrassing when you have Bunnings that’s already come over the top of you. Wake up and do something that is sensible that saves lives in this country and do it before Christmas,” Ms. Lambie said.
The federal government is working towards a ban on engineered stone. According to Independent Senator David Pocock, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency) Bill 2023 will add silicosis to the remit of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA).
“If this bill passes, the ASEA will develop and maintain a national silicosis plan and help to coordinate efforts across all levels of government,” he said.
