Construction union threatens to ban engineered stone products

Construction Union Threatens to Ban Engineered Stone Products

A construction union has called on the Federal Government to ban imports of engineered stone products by July 2024.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) said it would instruct its members to stop using the product if the government fails to take action. Acting CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said, "This product is killing workers, and the reality is Australian workers will keep dying unless we ban engineered stone."

Silicosis Data Driving the Push for Change

A National Dust Disease Taskforce report released last year revealed that nearly a quarter of all workers who have worked with engineered stone products since 2018 have silicosis. The report recommends additional measures to protect industry workers from harmful dust exposure and calls on the industry to strengthen health and safety protocols across worksites nationwide.

Read the full story on the ABC News website.

What This Means for the Construction Industry

Businesses operating within the building industry should stay informed as debate around engineered stone continues to develop. Employers across the industry carry ongoing obligations to protect worker health, regardless of how legislative outcomes unfold.

For guidance on managing risks tied to stone fabrication tasks, explore our Stone Fabricating SWMS, designed to support safety compliance for tradespeople handling engineered materials.

Related coverage includes updates on how individual states are responding, including Western Australia's move to back a ban on engineered stone and news that Tasmania has officially enacted a ban on engineered stone. For a broader look at the national picture, read our report on how Australia plans to ban engineered stone next year.

Supporting Safety Across Construction Projects

Beyond stone-related risks, the wider construction industry faces numerous safety challenges requiring robust documentation and planning. Our construction management plans help businesses maintain compliance across diverse project types.

For teams working with stone cladding, our Stone Cladding SWMS outlines safe work procedures tailored to this trade. Sites requiring broader coverage can also reference our WHSMP Construction Safety Plan for comprehensive site safety planning.

Browse our full suite of construction and civil works safety templates to keep your industry documentation current as regulatory changes take shape.