Queensland to ban engineered stone work from 1 July

May 9th 2024 | Stephen Kariahe

Queensland to ban engineered stone work from 1 July

Queensland to Ban Engineered Stone Work from 1 July

The Queensland Government has officially announced that the prohibition on engineered stone will be fully implemented in Queensland from 1 July, 2024.

According to the State Government, the ban requires that all work involving engineered stone in Queensland must cease starting from 1 July, regardless of whether contracts were signed before the prohibition came into effect.

Why the Engineered Stone Ban Matters for the Construction Industry

Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said, "Here in Queensland we have demonstrated we will never be silent when it comes to the safety of Queensland workers – we've been bold and outspoken, and we'll continue that legacy in conquering the insidious dangers posed by RCS."

"This dangerous product is known to cause the potentially fatal disease silicosis: workers sell their labour, not their lives, so we want people out of harm's way as soon as possible."

Employers across the construction industry now face a firm deadline. Builders and contractors operating in Queensland must adjust project timelines, sourcing arrangements, and site practices well ahead of the cutoff to remain compliant with the engineered stone ban.

What This Means for Builders and Site Safety

For builders managing active projects, this announcement demands immediate attention. Any engineered stone work scheduled beyond 1 July will need to stop, regardless of contractual obligations signed prior to the ban.

Queensland's approach reflects a broader push across the construction industry to prioritise worker health over commercial convenience. Businesses that fail to update their safety documentation and work practices risk non-compliance once the engineered stone ban takes full effect.

Safety leaders across Australia are watching Queensland's rollout closely, as other jurisdictions weigh similar measures. For construction businesses, this is a timely reminder to review site-specific documentation, including Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), to ensure ongoing safety and legal compliance.

Related Coverage on the Engineered Stone Ban

Supporting Documentation for Stone Work Compliance

Businesses still permitted to carry out limited stone work under exemption conditions should ensure their documentation reflects current safety requirements. Relevant resources include:

Queensland's stance sends a clear signal to the wider construction industry: worker health and safety outweigh short-term commercial interests. Government officials, industry bodies, and safety advocates alike view this ban as a necessary step toward eliminating preventable illness caused by respirable crystalline silica exposure.

For further information on how this ban may affect your business operations, or to access updated compliance resources, review our Safe Work Method Statements guide, or explore additional safety initiatives such as our National Safe Work Month 2023 Promotion.

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Queensland to ban engineered stone work from 1 July