The Andrews Labor Government will launch an unprecedented compliance and enforcement blitz targeting over 300 high-risk workplaces – focusing on stonemasonry workshops to prevent the deadly lung disease silicosis.

The comprehensive action plan, unveiled by Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy today, includes:

A state-wide ban on uncontrolled dry cutting of materials that contain crystalline silica dust
Free health screening for Victoria’s 1400 stonemasons
A tough new compliance code for businesses working with silica
An awareness campaign to highlight the risks of working with engineered stone.