Authorities have issued a safety warning for workers and employers working with engineered stone benchtops.

The high levels of silica in engineered stone can be breathed in as dust when cut dry, causing silicosis.

The condition is an aggressive form of pneumoconiosis – a debilitating respiratory disease – which can be fatal.

In Queensland, work safety authorities recently conducted a compliance campaign involving an audit of engineered stone benchtop manufacturers which uncovered disturbing and unsafe work practices.

These including dry cutting of stone, poor ventilation of work areas and a lack of personal protection equipment.

“To date, WorkCover Queensland has received 26 workers’ compensation claims for silicosis, including 22 claims lodged within the past three weeks,” said the state’s Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace.

“Tragically, at least six of the confirmed cases have Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), which is the end stage of the disease. My heart goes out to all affected workers and their families.”

All workers in the industry, or those who have previously worked in the industry, are being urged to undergo health screening.