As engineered stone ban comes into effect, war on silicosis far from over, doctor warns

In short: The manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops is banned from July 1.

Doctors and industry experts warn the war on silicosis is far from over.

What’s next? There are calls for increased training for medical staff to diagnose the disease earlier.

A ‘generation of pain and suffering’ still to come

Roger Singh has sat at the hospital bedside of young men dying of the disease.

For the Shine Lawyers dust diseases national practice leader, silicosis seemed a disease of a bygone era until a flood of cases came across his desk from 2015.

Too little too late

For silicosis suffers like Dean Morris, the new laws bring up mixed emotions.

The 45-year-old worked as a stonemason in Victoria for more than two decades.

It wasn’t just a job, it was a career he was proud of.

“It just adds to it, that doing what you love has in a way ruined my life,” he said.

“I have seven friends who have also been diagnosed and more I know through the industry.”