Bunnings to end engineered stone sales
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The news: Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings will stop selling engineered stone next year, beating likely state governments to a likely ban on the silicosis-related material.
The numbers: From 31 December 2023, Bunnings will cease selling benchtops made from engineered stone, which contains up to 97% crystalline silica, according to a Safe Work Australia report. Silicosis, a build-up of silica in the lungs has been linked with diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and chronic kidney disease.
The context: State safety ministers from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory have backed bans of the material, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The CFMEU took credit for the change, which Bunnings has denied.
What they said: "The safety of our team and customers is our biggest priority which is why the aggressive behaviour shown by some CFMEU protestors towards some of our team at a Victorian store over the weekend was deeply disappointing," Bunnings merchandise director Jen Tucker said in a statement seen by Capital Brief. "Our decision to stop selling engineered stone was directly in response to the reports released and the prospect of a ban on the sale in the near future."
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said: "The only reason Bunnings finally sided with workers' health was grassroots pressure from CFMEU members passionate about saving lives.
"All retailers must follow suit immediately. IKEA talks a big game on social responsibility yet lines its shelves with bench tops that kill Australians."
The sources: Safe Work Australia Report, Sydney Morning Herald
