NSW endorses proposed restriction on import of engineered stone

NSW endorses proposed restriction on import of engineered stone

New South Wales Government has expressed its approval of the Federal Government's decision to prohibit the importation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs, and panels containing more than one percent silica, effective from 1 January 2025.

NSW endorses proposed restriction on import of engineered stone as part of a broader push to protect tradespeople from preventable respiratory illness. The recommended import ban on engineered stone products is aimed at decreasing their presence in the market, which will assist in mitigating the risk of silicosis, a respiratory illness caused by inhaling tiny silica dust particles.

Why the Import Ban Matters for Workplace Health and Safety

According to statistics, NSW recorded 115 new cases of silicosis during the period from July 2023 to June 2024, resulting in deaths of ten people due to illness. Engineered stone products manufactured with high silica content have long been linked to severe lung disease among stonemasons and fabrication workers, making this restriction a significant workplace safety milestone.

Businesses involved in manufacturing or supplying these products should review current obligations, including guidance covered in our submissions on proposed engineered stone ban published article for background on how the restriction developed.

Government and Regulator Response

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis expressed her support for importation ban, stating that it represents a crucial advancement in efforts to mitigate silicosis and enhance workplace safety. Her comments echo growing national consensus, with other jurisdictions taking similar stances — see how WA backs ban on engineered stone for comparison.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said she perceives announcement as significant development in ongoing struggle against silicosis, promising greater protection for workers statewide. NSW has already demonstrated commitment to enforcement, having issued numerous compliance notices — detailed further in our coverage of NSW Government issuing more than 100 improvement notices to enforce prohibition of engineered stone.

What This Means for Businesses Handling Stone Products

Employers who manage stone fabrication or installation work must ensure their safety documentation reflects current requirements. Silica exposure remains a critical health hazard across manufacturing and construction sectors, and safe work practices should be reviewed regularly to reflect updated regulatory expectations.

• Review safe work method statements for tasks involving stone cutting, cladding, or fabrication
• Confirm suppliers comply with import restrictions taking effect from January 2025
• Update health and safety training to address silica dust risks in daily work activities

Relevant safety documentation includes our Stone Fabricating SWMS, Stone Cladding SWMS, and Stone Cutting - Rock Saw - Quarry resources, which support compliance across manufacturing and construction environments.

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