Engineered stone confiscated in Victoria following implementation of ban

Engineered Stone Confiscated in Victoria Following Implementation of Ban

Since Victoria's engineered stone ban took effect 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.

Why the Ban Matters for Worker Health

Engineered stone products contain high concentrations of crystalline silica, and cutting or grinding these materials releases fine dust particles that pose serious respiratory hazards. Workers exposed to airborne silica dust over time face increased risk of silicosis and other irreversible lung diseases, which is why regulators across Australia have prioritised strong control measures for this sector.

Businesses handling stone fabrication should review their obligations under current Stone Fabricating SWMS documentation to confirm their processes align with updated safety requirements. Similarly, those managing installation work may find it useful to consult resources such as the Stone Cladding SWMS when assessing hazards linked to legacy materials still present on some sites.

WorkSafe's Response and Industry Compliance

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.

These findings highlight why safe work practices must remain a priority for every business still transitioning away from banned products. Effective control of silica exposure requires ongoing vigilance, not just a one-time compliance check, and companies operating in Victoria should treat this enforcement activity as a clear signal that regulators are actively monitoring the sector.

How This Fits the National Picture

Victoria's approach mirrors action taken elsewhere in the country, with other jurisdictions introducing similar restrictions to protect worker health. For context, businesses can review how Western Australia backs its own ban on engineered stone and how Tasmania officially enacts its ban on engineered stone, both of which reflect a broader national push detailed in our earlier coverage of plans for Australia's move to ban engineered stone.

Construction firms based in Victoria undertaking architectural fit-outs should also consider the Architectural SWMS Pack for Victoria to ensure broader safety documentation stays current alongside stone-specific controls.

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