Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers

Australia Bans Engineered Stone to Protect Workers

Today marks the commencement of the engineered stone ban, 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 stone ban. This nationwide prohibition applies to every business and contractor working with these materials, regardless of location.

How the Ban Affects Businesses and Contractors

The federal workplace health and safety regulator's website provides details on how the ban will be enforced across all states and territories. Businesses that previously relied on engineered stone products must now review their operations and supply chains to remain compliant with updated WHS standards.

Contractors involved in installation, fabrication, or processing work should also consult the Stone Fabricating SWMS to understand documentation requirements affected by this change. Those unsure whether formal documentation applies to their work can refer to guidance on when a Safe Work Method Statement is required.

A Significant Step for Workplace Health

Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland said this marks 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.

This decision reflects growing recognition of health risks tied to silica exposure across the construction and manufacturing sectors. State-level action has already been building momentum toward this outcome — for example, South Australia's move to ban uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone and Victoria's intensified initiatives to protect workers from engineered stone risks both signalled a shift toward stronger national controls well before today's announcement.

What This Means for Equipment and Compliance

Businesses still holding engineered stone equipment or processing equipment tied to banned materials should assess how this affects existing worksite equipment inventories. Equipment previously used for cutting, grinding, or polishing engineered stone may need repurposing, disposal, or replacement depending on future project scopes.

Contractors managing multiple sites should audit equipment across all locations to confirm no banned materials remain in active use. Where equipment was shared between engineered stone tasks and other stonework, cleaning protocols and equipment maintenance schedules should be reviewed to prevent residual dust contamination.

Standards guiding safe handling of remaining stone equipment continue to apply, and businesses should ensure equipment operators receive updated guidance reflecting current safety requirements. Any leftover equipment inventory tied specifically to engineered stone fabrication should be documented and reported according to relevant state protocols.

For further reference on related safe work practices, businesses can consult resources such as the Stone Cladding SWMS and Stone Cutting Rock Saw Quarry documentation, which outline safety considerations for related stonework activities still permitted under current regulations.

Read the full story on the Safe Work Australia website.