Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone – Safe Work Australia Update

On 13 December 2023, Commonwealth, state and territory governments agreed to prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of all engineered stone (read the full announcement here).

High levels of crystalline silica (silica dust) are produced during the cutting, shaping, or polishing of engineered stone. This exposure has resulted in a significant rise in the incidence of silicosis, a serious lung disease, among workers in Australia.

The ban, applicable to those conducting business or working with engineered stone, covers manufacturing, supplying, processing, and installing.

The prohibition is set to take effect from July 1, 2024, with controlled use of engineered stone recommended until then.

Safe Work Australia is in the process of drafting amendments to the model WHS Regulations, which will be incorporated into the WHS laws of each jurisdiction. They are also creating a national framework to ensure safe practices for working with engineered stone products installed before the prohibition.

Until the prohibition takes effect, workers and businesses are allowed to continue working with engineered stone under controlled conditions, as outlined in the model WHS Regulations.

Safe Work Australia will provide guidance to help businesses and workers adapt to the changes.

Comments from Safe Work Australia CEO, Marie Boland highlight the significance of this issue:

“Today, WHS ministers from the Commonwealth, states and territories agreed to Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to prohibit the use of engineered stone to protect the health and safety of workers.

“Workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica has led to an unacceptable increase in the number of cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Expert analysis shows that silica dust from engineered stone poses unique hazards and there is no evidence that low silica engineered stone is safe to work with.

“This prohibition will make Australian workplaces safer and healthier.

“The vast majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years are in engineered stone workers. Many of these cases are in younger workers who are experiencing faster disease progression and higher mortality.

“The cost to industry, while real and relevant, cannot outweigh the significant costs to workers, their families and the broader Australian community that result from exposure to respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone.

“Continued work with engineered stone poses an unacceptable risk to workers, which is why we recommended a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone.

“Now that a prohibition has been agreed by WHS ministers, Safe Work Australia will progress amendments to the model WHS Regulations and develop guidance to support PCBUs and workers understand and prepare for the change.”

Further information is available on the Safe Work Australia website.