Accelerated silicosis
We'll support you if you have accelerated silicosis from working with engineered stone in a New Zealand workplace.
Accelerated silicosis is a disease that causes injury to the lungs. It may affect people who work with engineered stone benchtops. In particular, those who have cut, grind, drilled, sanded, or polished those benchtops.
We're working with WorkSafe and Ministry of Health to identify and assess workers in New Zealand who may be at risk of accelerated silicosis.
ACC cover
We'll support you if your injury comes from working with engineered stone in a New Zealand workplace. Your GP will lodge an ACC claim on your behalf, with your consent.
About accelerated silicosis
Accelerated silicosis is a type of lung disease which may occur after exposure to silica dust. This can be for more than six months from cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, or polishing.
Crystalline silica is a natural substance found in concrete, bricks, rocks, sand, clay, and stone. It's also found in artificial or engineered stone used to make benchtops for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
More information
This is a joint initiative between ACC, WorkSafe and the Ministry of Health. You can get worker and health-related information on the respective websites.