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The Dust of Death

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Benchtops made from engineered stone have become popular across the nation.

The dust of death

The dust from cutting engineered stone for Australian kitchens and bathrooms is killing our tradies.

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Tunneller Craig Bennett has been awarded $2.4 million in damages by the Dust Disease Tribunal.

Tunnel worker awarded $2.4 million after deadly silicosis diagnosis

A judge has castigated some of the nation’s largest tunnelling companies for failing to protect workers, accusing them of “egregious breaches of duty”. 

  • Max Maddison
Tunnel workers are exposed to high levels of crystalline silica.

The law changes demanded as Sydney tunnel workers face death

The union is urging the government to extend the ability for tunnelling companies to be prosecuted for exposing workers to deadly levels of silica dust.

  • Max Maddison
New research has estimated up to 300 workers across three tunnelling projects will be diagnosed with silicosis, an incurable lung disease.

One in 10 tunnel workers at risk of silicosis, research finds

The University of Sydney research, published this month, estimated up to 300 of 2042 workers across three major transport projects would be diagnosed with the incurable lung disease.

  • Max Maddison
Silicosis.

There was a plan to stop Sydney tunnel workers from being killed. It was ignored for five years

A major construction company and SafeWork discussed strategies to protect tunnel workers from deadly airborne hazards five years ago. Cost was the primary barrier.

  • Max Maddison
A worker walks through one of the twin tunnels being constructed under Rosehill Racecourse near Parramatta.

The human cost of Sydney’s many tunnelling projects

Beneath our city, a maze of tunnels is under construction. More must be done to keep Sydney’s tunnelling workers safe.

  • The Herald's View
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silicosis

A 32-year-old has a deadly disease. So do a dozen of his colleagues

Thirteen tunnellers on one single roadway project have been diagnosed with silicosis. Their employer is in the crosshairs.

  • Max Maddison
The Northconnex tunnel in Sydney being constructed in 2017.

SafeWork knew tunnel workers were exposed to ‘high levels’ of deadly silica dust

Thousands of tunnel workers have been exposed to silica. Confidential documents reveal the regulator has known since at least April 2018.

  • Max Maddison
WestConnex staff during tunnel construction in 2021.

Revealed: The Sydney tunnel projects where deadly dust levels hit 208 times legal limit

“All you see is clouds of dust”: Thousands of tunnel workers are being exposed to potentially deadly levels of silica.

  • Max Maddison
Andrew Klohk was a stonemason for years.

Andrew has been a tradie since he was 10. His work has left him dying

In just two months, 23 new cases of the deadly disease silicosis have been reported in NSW.

  • Alexandra Smith