Engineered stone confiscated in Victoria following implementation of ban

Since Victoria's engineered stone ban began on 1 July, many stone suppliers and manufacturers have been caught off guard by random WorkSafe inspections, leading to the discovery of numerous illegal bench tops.

In the last month, WorkSafe's Silica Field Team undertook visits to 52 different industry sites, where they issued 25 compliance notices. Furthermore, the team seized over 65 samples of materials suspected to be engineered stone, in addition to products marketed as porcelain and sintered stone, for the purpose of testing their silica and resin content.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said that importers, suppliers, and manufacturers were informed in advance of the ban and have been given sufficient time to ensure compliance.

"Most businesses are doing the right thing and are moving away from engineered stone, but unfortunately we have found a small number have continued to put workers at risk," Mr Jenkin said.

See full details here.