Talostone® Silicosis statement
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE FOR THE STONE INDUSTRY
At Talostone®, we have are 100% committed to a safe working environment for all stakeholders in the industry and it has been our number one priority since we first opened our doors in Sydney in 2013.
As a leading player in the industry, Talostone® have always taken worker safety very seriously by implementing sound Company protocols such as only recommending Stonemasons who adhere to the strict fabrication practices set forth by SafeWork Australia, attaching large health and safety warning stickers on all our products and providing easy access to our detailed Fabrication, Health and Safety Guide via our website, which provides detailed safe fabrication advise. We also invest extensive amounts of time and funds constantly researching and implementing safer stone products such as our low Crystalline Silica range, MinQ®, which was implemented long before any Government restrictions.
Following the advise from SafeWork Australia, as well as our own recommendations and guidelines, engineered stone can be fabricated safely by industry workers. Unfortunately, even with stricter Government implementations such as as Engineered Stone Licensing and compliance inspections by SafeWork Australia, it is clear that some workplaces in Australia has failed to adhere to these legally standing standards and regulations. As a result of this, the Australian Government made the difficult decision in December 2023 to ban any engineered stone containing 1% or more Crystalline Silica (trace elements), in an attempt to increase the health and safety of industry workers.
Being at the forefront of research and development, Talostone® had already started developing our Crystalline Silica free range, MinQ® Zero – Mineral Surfaces, years before the ban, which has been progressively rolled out throughout 2024. Our entire MinQ® Zero – Mineral Surfaces range is now available, replacing all previous generations of Talostone® products. This achievement however, is not the end of our commitment to innovative advancements in the stone industry. We are constantly making significant advances in developing even stronger and safer stone options that benefit our customers as well as industry workers.
We would also like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that all existing and installed Talostone® products are completely safe and pose no health risks. Any Crystalline Silica contained within the stone only poses potential health risks during the fabrication process, not pre or post fabrication. Should you have any concerns regarding your existing Talostone® bench tops, please contact our Head Office at any time on 02 8783 0600 or info@talostone.com.au.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Silica is one of the most common compounds on earth and is composed of two elements: silicon and oxygen (silicon dioxide, SiO2). Silica is found in nature in various forms, mainly as sand, and also in rocks and stones such as marble and granite. Silica is a component of many products in daily use including glass, pottery and quartz surfaces. Silica is very commonly used in construction and features at various concentrations in bricks, blocks, tiles, slabs, cement and concrete.
Talostone® manufactures products to the highest safety standards, Our engineered stone products
are absolutely safe prior to fabrication and after installation. Our employees do not fabricate the products, but do receive comprehensive training on safe
handling and are issued safety equipment for use when entering workplaces where the product is
being cut.
Yes. We continue to fully support the improvements in safety regulations and workplace
inspections and anticipate further steps will be taken by Federal and state governments to reduce
the risk of silicosis across all exposed industries.
We are working on a new full product range with a maximum of 40% or less crystalline silica than
currently available and will be launching this range in coming months.