IKEA and Bunnings pull popular stone benchtops as independent calls for national ban continue
- Replies 8
We've all been guilty of buying a product because it looks good or thinking it's better to get something new than renovate something else.
But in this case, the potential risks are just too serious for us to ignore, and that's why we need to spread the word about this as much as we can.
The item in question is engineered stone, a trendy material used for products such as kitchen benchtops.
Engineered stone has already been linked to fatal diseases caused by inhaling tiny particles of silica dust.
Two major retailers, Bunnings and IKEA, have already announced they were taking action to help protect Australian consumers against the potential risks of using this material.
The popular Swedish furniture store had stockpiled a range of products made from engineered stone, only to withdraw these products from sale.
This decision aligns with the ongoing demand for a government ban on this disease-causing material, which you can read more about here.
Bunnings then followed suit, announcing it would also stop selling the material by December 31, after a Safe Work Australia report banned engineered stone to protect workers from contracting silicosis.
It was previously reported that union workers protested at Bunnings stores to urge the retailer to stop selling engineered stone kitchen benchtops. This is what led to the review of the Safe Work Australia report.
On Wednesday, independent crossbenchers issued an open letter to state and federal governments, advocating for a nationwide ban on the material.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie shared: ‘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.’
‘They’re [Labor] talking about IR laws and making workplaces safe, but these guys have been sitting on this report [...]. I just have to say to Tony Burke and the government, are you waiting for us to throw you a sausage sizzle? Seriously. Get on with the job and get this done,’ he added.
Silicosis, an incurable disease caused by inhaling silica dust from popular engineered stone benchtops in Australian homes, poses a significant risk.
Around 600,000 workers annually face potential exposure, resulting in numerous confirmed lung disease diagnoses.
In a press conference, CFMEU's Zach Smith urged an immediate response from health and workplace ministers to enforce a ban, citing ‘unstoppable momentum’ behind the cause.
‘We know this product is killing 1 in 4 workers through silicosis and a variety of other deadly dust disease,’ explained Mr Smith. ‘This is the asbestos of the 2020, there’s no doubt about it.’
Over two-thirds of Australians favour a complete ban on manufacturing and importing engineered stone, as per a recent poll by the CFMEU.
Calls for a sweeping ban increased after IKEA's Mirja Viinanen said the company ‘strongly supports’ a nationally aligned government approach for ‘clarity and coordinated action’ across Australia.
On the other hand, Bunnings’ Jen Tucker announced the proactive decision to cease sales, noting: ‘We’re well positioned to offer a fully-compliant range well ahead of any changes being mandated.’
Most of the benchtops available in Bunnings stores were laminate and timber, according to Ms Tucker. In a related article, Bunnings already clarified that their engineered stone benchtops are pre-cut to size before reaching the customer's site.
They are supplied and installed by a specialist provider holding an engineered stone license and adhering to stringent safety standards. Read the full details here.
Video source: Facebook/@CFMEU
Mr Smith expressed hope that ‘this is the end of the line for engineered stone’ and encouraged other retailers to take similar actions.
He stressed, ‘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.’
The CFMEU has pledged to prohibit its members from utilising or importing engineered stone products starting from July next year if federal and state governments fail to take action.
He said on Wednesday: ‘Bunnings and IKEA have beaten our federal, state and territory governments to the punch.’
‘IKEA should join Bunnings in setting a concrete date because lives are at risk every single day we wait.’
State and federal workplace ministers will convene again next month to decide the product's fate after last month's consensus failure.
If approved, Australia will be the first country to ban engineered stone.
Members, what do you think of this story? How do you think the authorities or the government should handle this issue? Share your views in the comments below!
But in this case, the potential risks are just too serious for us to ignore, and that's why we need to spread the word about this as much as we can.
The item in question is engineered stone, a trendy material used for products such as kitchen benchtops.
Engineered stone has already been linked to fatal diseases caused by inhaling tiny particles of silica dust.
Two major retailers, Bunnings and IKEA, have already announced they were taking action to help protect Australian consumers against the potential risks of using this material.
IKEA will phase out a variety of fashionable kitchen benchtops, while Bunnings plans to cease the sale of engineered stone by year-end. Image source: Google Maps
The popular Swedish furniture store had stockpiled a range of products made from engineered stone, only to withdraw these products from sale.
This decision aligns with the ongoing demand for a government ban on this disease-causing material, which you can read more about here.
Bunnings then followed suit, announcing it would also stop selling the material by December 31, after a Safe Work Australia report banned engineered stone to protect workers from contracting silicosis.
It was previously reported that union workers protested at Bunnings stores to urge the retailer to stop selling engineered stone kitchen benchtops. This is what led to the review of the Safe Work Australia report.
On Wednesday, independent crossbenchers issued an open letter to state and federal governments, advocating for a nationwide ban on the material.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie shared: ‘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.’
‘They’re [Labor] talking about IR laws and making workplaces safe, but these guys have been sitting on this report [...]. I just have to say to Tony Burke and the government, are you waiting for us to throw you a sausage sizzle? Seriously. Get on with the job and get this done,’ he added.
Silicosis, an incurable disease caused by inhaling silica dust from popular engineered stone benchtops in Australian homes, poses a significant risk.
Around 600,000 workers annually face potential exposure, resulting in numerous confirmed lung disease diagnoses.
In a press conference, CFMEU's Zach Smith urged an immediate response from health and workplace ministers to enforce a ban, citing ‘unstoppable momentum’ behind the cause.
‘We know this product is killing 1 in 4 workers through silicosis and a variety of other deadly dust disease,’ explained Mr Smith. ‘This is the asbestos of the 2020, there’s no doubt about it.’
Over two-thirds of Australians favour a complete ban on manufacturing and importing engineered stone, as per a recent poll by the CFMEU.
Calls for a sweeping ban increased after IKEA's Mirja Viinanen said the company ‘strongly supports’ a nationally aligned government approach for ‘clarity and coordinated action’ across Australia.
On the other hand, Bunnings’ Jen Tucker announced the proactive decision to cease sales, noting: ‘We’re well positioned to offer a fully-compliant range well ahead of any changes being mandated.’
Most of the benchtops available in Bunnings stores were laminate and timber, according to Ms Tucker. In a related article, Bunnings already clarified that their engineered stone benchtops are pre-cut to size before reaching the customer's site.
They are supplied and installed by a specialist provider holding an engineered stone license and adhering to stringent safety standards. Read the full details here.
Video source: Facebook/@CFMEU
Mr Smith expressed hope that ‘this is the end of the line for engineered stone’ and encouraged other retailers to take similar actions.
He stressed, ‘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.’
The CFMEU has pledged to prohibit its members from utilising or importing engineered stone products starting from July next year if federal and state governments fail to take action.
He said on Wednesday: ‘Bunnings and IKEA have beaten our federal, state and territory governments to the punch.’
‘IKEA should join Bunnings in setting a concrete date because lives are at risk every single day we wait.’
State and federal workplace ministers will convene again next month to decide the product's fate after last month's consensus failure.
If approved, Australia will be the first country to ban engineered stone.
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