Report on engineered stone ban presented to WHS ministers

Report on Engineered Stone Ban Presented to WHS Ministers

Safe Work Australia has delivered a formal report on an engineered stone ban to federal, state and territory WHS ministers, following months of consultation with industry, medical professionals and worker representatives.

Earlier this year, WHS ministers requested further analysis and discussion on a proposal to ban engineered stone across Australia, citing serious concerns about hazardous silica dust exposure among tradespeople who cut, grind and polish this material.

What the Report Covers

This week, Safe Work Australia presented its findings and recommendations on options to prohibit engineered stone products nationally. The report outlines a policy framework designed to protect workers from silicosis and other occupational health risks linked to crystalline silica dust.

“The Agency thanks the workers, PCBUs, employer and worker representatives, WHS professionals, medical professionals, academics, government agencies, industry and peak bodies who made submissions to the consultation,” Safe Work Australia said in a statement.

Why This Matters for Workplace Health and Safety

Engineered stone contains high levels of crystalline silica, a substance recognised as hazardous to respiratory health when inhaled as fine dust. WHS regulations already require strict dust control measures, but ministers are now weighing whether a national prohibition offers stronger protection than existing controls alone.

For businesses managing legacy engineered stone installations, compliance with current safety obligations remains essential while this policy process continues. Employers should review their stone fabricating SWMS to ensure control measures align with the latest safe work guidance.

• Report submitted to WHS ministers by Safe Work Australia this week
• Recommendations address options for a full or partial engineered stone ban
• Input gathered from workers, employers, medical experts and academics across Australia
• Findings build on earlier analysis requested by ministers earlier this year

Background on the Engineered Stone Ban Push

This latest report follows sustained pressure from health advocates and unions, who have long argued that engineered stone poses unacceptable risks to workers in the stone fabrication industry. Our earlier coverage of the initial report calling for a ban on engineered stone outlined the case for regulatory action, while a follow-up piece detailed how workplace safety ministers approved new model WHS regulations ahead of a formal ban.

Individual states have also moved on this issue independently. Western Australia previously confirmed its support when it backed a ban on engineered stone, signalling growing consensus among state governments on the need for coordinated national safety standards.

What Businesses Should Do Now

While ministers consider these recommendations, PCBUs handling engineered stone should maintain rigorous safety practices. Practical steps include:

• Reviewing current hazard identification processes using a hazard report form to document silica dust risks
• Updating workplace policy documents to reflect emerging WHS regulations
• Consulting relevant policies and procedures for hazardous substance handling
• Locating applicable compliance documents through our WHS document finder

Further details on the report's recommendations can be found here via Safe Work Australia's official website.

Looking Ahead

WHS ministers are now expected to consider Safe Work Australia's recommendations before making a final decision on how, or whether, to implement a nationwide ban. Given the scale of consultation involved, any resulting policy will likely shape safety standards across the construction and manufacturing sectors for years to come.

Businesses working with engineered stone, or managing legacy engineered stone installations, should stay informed as this process progresses. SafetyDocs will continue reporting on developments as WHS ministers finalise their position on this significant workplace health and safety issue.