Engineered stone campaign receives backing from major retailers in Queensland

Engineered Stone Campaign Receives Backing from Major Retailers in Queensland

A campaign to ban engineered stone in Queensland received a major boost recently after two major retailers announced plans to stop selling the product. This move strengthens Queensland's campaign to ban engineered stone and signals growing industry recognition of the health risks tied to this widely used building material.

Inhaling silica dust from engineered stone products can lead to silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease. Workplace safety advocates have long warned that exposure to airborne silica during cutting, grinding, or polishing poses significant health hazards for tradespeople across Australia.

Retailers Join the Push for Change

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace commended the retailers for their bold step toward safer workplaces.

"All workers have a right to turn up to a safe and healthy workplace, which is why Queensland has long been calling for a ban on engineered stone," Ms Grace said.

"Major retailers are starting to vote with their feet, and it's encouraging to see them joining Queensland's campaign on engineered stone."

Why Safety Advocates Support the Ban

Supporters of the ban argue that removing engineered stone products from the market protects worker safety and reduces long-term health costs associated with silicosis diagnoses. Tasmania has already shown similar momentum, with its own engineered stone ban receiving backing from Tasmania, reinforcing a broader national conversation around silica dust safety.

Businesses that continue working with stone-based materials should ensure their safety documentation reflects current best practice. A properly developed Stone Fabricating SWMS helps employers identify silica-related hazards and implement control measures that protect workers on site.

What This Means for Queensland Workplaces

As retailers step back from engineered stone products, businesses in construction and manufacturing should reassess supply chains and safety practices. This shift builds on earlier commitments outlined in coverage of Queensland's plan to ban engineered stone from 1 July 2024, giving businesses a clear timeline to adjust operations and safeguard employee health.

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