Tradies contracting lung disease from deadly practice
Sick tradies are taking their fight to the government, urging a crackdown on deadly practices in the stonemasonry industry.
Gary Moratti, 49, has worked with stone for 35 years – mostly artificial since it was introduced to Australia 15 years ago.
He said the artificial stone was brought in “without telling anybody how dangerous it really is”.
Mr Moratti was diagnosed with silicosis in 2017. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and skin lesions.
The 49-year-old used masks but said once they are taken off the dust remains in the air.
He and Anthony White, who is seriously sick in hospital, are among six tradies who want to stop younger generations contracting the disease. They are urging a government crackdown on dry cutting.
Robert Singh, from Shine Lawyers, explained dry cutting is where stone is cut and fabricated.
“We cannot afford to have another asbestos type legacy on our hands,” Mr Singh said.
Businesses should be using proper controls like tools fitted with water attachments to suppress dust but not all of them do.
Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick said workplace health and safety could shut down any manufacturer that is doing dry cutting.
