Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers

Today marks the commencement of the engineered stone ban, which is designed to safeguard Australian workers from silicosis, a lung disease triggered by breathing in respirable crystalline silica.

According to Safe Work Australia, engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs cannot be manufactured, supplied, processed, or installed in any state or territory throughout Australia due to the ban.

The federal workplace health and safety regulator said its website provides details on how the ban will be enforced in all states and territories.

Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland said this is a significant moment for workplace health and safety in Australia that will lead to saving lives.

“Today represents the realisation of Safe Work Australia’s recommendation and the unanimous decision by WHS ministers from the Commonwealth, states and territories in December 2023 to ban the use of engineered stone to protect the health and safety of workers,” Ms Boland said.

Read the full story on the Safe Work Australia website.