Safe Work Australia releases more information on upcoming ban on engineered stone

On 22nd March 2024, WHS ministers held a meeting to address the draft amendments to the model WHS Regulations, with the objective of enforcing a ban on engineered stone.

Safe Work Australia said the WHS ministers unanimously agreed that the ban would be applicable to engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs.

"In making their decision, WHS ministers also agreed that finished engineered stone products (such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, kitchen sinks) which do not require processing or modification would be excluded from the ban," Safe Work Australia said.

"Under the transitional arrangements, WHS ministers agreed that work involving the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 are to be exempt from the prohibition if the work is carried out under, or for the purposes of, a contract entered into on or before 31 December 2023."

Learn more here.