Queensland to ban engineered stone from 1 July 2024

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) reminds workers in the building, renovation, fabrication, and construction sectors to take note of the forthcoming nationwide prohibition on the use, distribution, production, and installation of engineered stone, set to be enforced in Queensland starting from 1 July 2024.

Queensland must cease all engineered stone activities once this deadline arrives, marking a significant shift in workplace health and safety standards across affected industries.

In a regulated manner, workers and businesses in Queensland can continue their operations involving engineered stone until 1 July 2024. During this transitional period, employers should review their current stone fabricating SWMS to ensure compliance obligations remain met while preparations for the ban move forward.

What Businesses Need to Know Before the Ban

WHSQ urges all businesses to be cautious and refrain from entering into any further agreements for the use of engineered stone that may not be completed prior to the enforcement of the prohibition on 1st July 2024.

Safety remains the primary driver behind this decision, with authorities prioritising worker health above continued commercial use of these products. Businesses handling stone cladding installations should also consult relevant guidance, including the stone cladding SWMS, when planning remaining projects before the cutoff date.

Finalising the Ban's Details

Work Health and Safety Ministers will finalise the ban's details in the weeks ahead. Businesses across Queensland should stay informed, as further safety guidance and compliance requirements will likely be released before the 1 July 2024 deadline takes full effect.

For related updates on how other states are responding, see coverage on the engineered stone ban backed by Tasmania and the engineered stone ban supported by Western Australia, both of which reflect a broader national commitment to workplace safety and health protections.

Read more on the original announcement regarding Queensland's engineered stone work ban from 1 July here.