Minister's foreword

While crystalline silica is a natural substance found in concrete, bricks, stone, sand and clay, the crystalline silica content of engineered stone can be far higher than in most natural stone or stone products.

In its solid form, such as the slab supplied to a workplace for fabrication, or once installed in a home, engineered stone does not have hazardous properties. It is the dust that is generated from cutting, grinding, or polishing engineered stone that has the potential to cause harm when it is breathed in. It is this very fine crystalline silica dust in respirable form which can penetrate deeply into the lungs and lead to a range of respiratory diseases, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

To date, several countries have implemented additional regulatory requirements to manage risks related to respirable crystalline silica. Australia is the only country that has implemented a full ban on the importation, use and supply of engineered stone.

It is important that we use an evidence-based approach and consider a range of regulatory tools to tackle this issue in a New Zealand context. This is why I am consulting on the full range of regulatory options to control the risks to workers from engineered stone and other sources of exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

I am committed to introducing an effective, evidence-based, and practical approach to health and safety regulations.

I strongly encourage you to make a written submission or complete the online submission form. 

Hon Brooke van Velden
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

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