Safe Work Australia invites comments on effectiveness of engineered stone ban

Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on how effectively the engineered stone ban has protected workers since its nationwide introduction on July 1, 2024. The consultation targets respirable crystalline silica exposure, a hazard long linked to serious health conditions among tradespeople handling engineered stone products.

"As part of the consultation, we would like to hear how the engineered stone ban is working in practice. We are also gathering insights about access to information and resources related to the ban, ideas for future work health and safety (WHS) research related to silica and how the ban could be improved," Safe Work Australia said.

Who Can Provide Comments?

Individuals with a stake in the operation of the ban are invited to share their opinions. The federal safety regulator body is especially keen to receive feedback from both employers and employees who have firsthand experience with the prohibition.

This public input process forms part of a broader policy review, giving stakeholders across construction, manufacturing and health sectors a direct channel to influence future WHS outcomes.

Consultation Timeline

The public consultation period is currently open and will remain so until 11:59 PM (AEDT) on Monday, March 31, 2025. Safety professionals, employees and industry bodies are encouraged to lodge comments before this deadline closes.

What Happens Next?

Safe Work Australia said the feedback gathered will guide its evaluation of whether the ban was operating effectively, with findings presented to WHS ministers for their review. This policy assessment will help determine whether further safety measures or adjustments are needed to strengthen protections against silica-related illness.

Businesses managing high-risk construction or stone-processing tasks may also benefit from reviewing related Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), including documentation for Stone (Mechanical Fixing) tasks and Stone Pitching activities, to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety obligations.

More details can be found on the Safe Work Australia website. Readers can also review our earlier coverage of Safe Work Australia's public feedback call on the engineered stone ban and background on how Australia implemented the original ban for further context.