Friday, 15 December 2023 07:09
NSW BANS ENGINEERED STONE
NSW will prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone from July 1, 2024.
NSW joined most other states and territories in agreeing to ban the dangerous product by the middle of next year.
The decision was made after careful consideration of the Safe Work Australia Decision Regulatory Impact Statement which found there was no safe level of silica in engineered stone.
Rates of silicosis and silica related diseases in Australian workers have risen substantially in recent years, with a disproportionate number of diagnoses among engineered stone workers.
SafeWork NSW will continue its work ensuring compliance with work health and safety requirements including site visits and issuing penalties to any operator who is non-compliant.
Early this year, NSW passed tough new laws to double penalties on any employer illegally exposing their workers to silica dust.
The WHS Ministers also agreed today to task Safe Work Australia with further work to strengthen regulations.
Ministers will meet again in March 2024 to finalise the details of the implementation of the ban on the use of engineered stone, including the regulation of legacy products and transitional arrangements for contracts entered before today.
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Monday, 11 December 2023 10:16
HOUSING ACQUISITIONS BRING CERTAINTY
Benefits flow for community housing tenants
WITH an $8M grant from the NSW Government, Community Housing Provider Pacific Link Housing has completed the acquisition of 37 dwellings at East Gosford on the Central Coast and Telarah in the Lower Hunter.
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Wednesday, 29 November 2023 05:08
A WIN FOR PEOPLE POWER
Austin Butler Reserve stays in community hands
IN a major win for the community, a significant stand of mature paperbark and she-oak trees at Austin Butler Reserve, Woy Woy will be retained for the community.
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