Vic stonemasonry firm fined for silica exposure risk

A Victorian stonemasonry company has been fined a total of $25,000 for failing to protect workers from exposure to crystalline silica.

The company was recently fined in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment.

It was fined $12,500 for failing to put in place measures to reduce the risk of exposure to silica dust and an additional $12,500 for failing to provide appropriate guards on a power saw.

Narell Beer, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, emphasised the importance of protecting workers from silica dust.

"Exposure to silica dust can lead to deadly diseases such as silicosis, which is a scarring of the lungs, kidney disease, lung cancer and autoimmune diseases," Dr Beer said.

"Employers must ensure all safety measures are in place so workers aren't exposed to levels of silica dust that are above the exposure standard."

Read the full story on the WorkSafe Victoria website.