The dust of death
The dust from cutting engineered stone for Australian kitchens and bathrooms is killing our tradies.
Investigation
The shiny kitchen benchtops killing young Australians
Ken Parker was a model worker, smashing out 40 benchtops a day. Now he just hopes to live long enough to see his daughter turn 18. Ken, and others like him, have silicosis, acquired from inhaling dust from the cutting of engineered stone.
- by Adele Ferguson and Amelia Ballinger
Investigation
Willis Bros workers got silicosis cutting benchtops. Their boss called them dogs
Former stonemason Tim Ruttley sued Willis Bros for compensation after being bullied then sacked after his silicosis diagnosis.
- by Adele Ferguson
Exclusive
Benchtop giant, health groups demand dangerous-stone ban
One of the world’s biggest engineered stone manufacturers and a coalition of health groups have called for action from federal and state governments.
- by Adele Ferguson and Angus Thompson
The death trap that lurks beneath our city
Hundreds of workers on Sydney’s vast tunnelling system are exposed to high levels of silica dust, which can cause a deadly disease.
- by Adele Ferguson and Amelia Ballinger
Explainer
What is silicosis? Is it the ‘new asbestosis’?
Silicosis is the oldest occupational lung disease in the world, but there has been a surge in cases. What is it, and how big is the problem?
- by Angus Thomson
Union heads call for engineered stone ban ‘as soon as possible’
The ACTU and construction union is calling for engineered stone to be banned to combat the risk of silicosis as the NSW premier called for a national response.
- by Angus Thompson and Natassia Chrysanthos
Editorial
Shiny benchtops come at too great a price
The calls to ban engineered stone kitchen benchtops and similar building products are understandably growing louder.
- The Herald's View
Silicosis victims tell their stories
Ken Parker was a model worker, smashing out 40 benchtops a day. Now he just hopes to live long enough to see his daughter turn 18. Ken, and others like him, have silicosis, acquired from inhaling dust from the cutting of engineered stone.
Unions call on Albanese to enact immediate ban on engineered stone
State ministers back a ban on the manufactured stone commonly used in kitchen benchtops which has been shown to cause serious disease and death in tradies using it.
- by Angus Thompson and Natassia Chrysanthos
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5clq0