Workplace health and safety ministers from across Australia have unanimously given the green light to scope out a ban on products that generate silica dust. The main issue is the risk for workers who cut or file certain types of engineered stone – they are at particular risk of developing silicosis – an incurable lung disease caused by breathing in the tiny particles. Safe Work Australia had warned that unless the federal government acted, it would implement a ban on using, manufacturing and importing engineered stone over concerns about rising rates of silicosis in stonemasons and other tradies. That saw Federal Employment Minister Tony Burke fast-track plans to look into a ban, and a final decision is expected to be made in the 2nd half of the year. If it goes ahead, Oz will be the first country in the world to do it.