New report calls for ban on engineered stone

New Report Calls for Ban on Engineered Stone

A new report released by Safe Work Australia recommends a ban on all engineered stone across Australia to protect workers from crystalline silica exposure. This document, prepared for national work health and safety ministers, sets out the case for prohibiting engineered stone products regardless of their silica content.

Work Health and Safety ministers asked Safe Work Australia to develop the report in consultation with key stakeholders following a surge in silicosis cases linked to stone fabrication work. Below, we outline what the report recommends, why it matters for employers, and where you can access the full findings.

What Does the Decision RIS Recommend?

Safe Work Australia said the report, titled Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone (Decision RIS), "recommends a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone, irrespective of crystalline silica content, to protect the health and safety of workers."

Key points from the report include:

• A recommended ban applies to engineered stone products nationwide, not just high-silica variants.
• Findings respond directly to rising silicosis diagnoses among tradespeople handling these materials.
• Recommendations were developed through consultation with industry, unions, and health experts.

Timeline and Next Steps for WHS Ministers

Officials presented the report to Commonwealth, state, and territory work health and safety ministers in August this year, marking a significant step toward a coordinated national response.

"While WHS ministers are yet to make a decision on the recommendation in the Decision RIS to prohibit the use of all engineered stone, they have agreed Safe Work Australia publish the Decision RIS ahead of their decision," Safe Work Australia said.

This staged approach gives businesses and safety professionals time to review the findings before any formal ban engineered stone decision takes effect. You can read our earlier coverage of the report on the engineered stone ban presented to WHS ministers for additional background on how this recommendation developed.

Why Silica Exposure Remains a Priority for Australian Workplaces

Silica dust exposure during cutting, grinding, and polishing of engineered stone poses serious health risks to workers across construction and manufacturing sectors. Safety professionals in Australia have long flagged these products as a significant occupational hazard, and this report reinforces calls for stronger controls.

Earlier industry discussions, including calls for Australia to ban imported stone benchtops, highlighted similar concerns well before this latest report emerged. Momentum has since built toward a nationally consistent approach.

For employers managing teams that fabricate or install these products, understanding current obligations remains essential while ministers finalise their position. Our coverage of workplace safety ministers approving new model WHS regulations for the engineered stone ban provides further context on regulatory developments across Australia.

Supporting Safe Work Practices Now

Businesses currently working with engineered stone should review their safe work method statements and controls without waiting for a final ban engineered stone ruling. Our Stone Fabricating SWMS template offers a practical starting point for documenting safety procedures during this transition period.

Read the full Decision RIS report for complete details on Safe Work Australia's recommendations and supporting evidence.