Safe Work Australia seeks public feedback on engineered stone ban

Safe Work Australia is seeking public feedback on a proposed prohibition on the use of engineered stone, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce workplace health risks linked to this material.

The federal safety regulator urges all stakeholders to visit Safe Work Australia's consultation website Engage to submit their views before 2 April 2023, ahead of the next phase of this engineered stone ban review.

"Today, Safe Work Australia commenced the next stage of consultation on a prohibition on the use of engineered stone," Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said in a statement.

"Stakeholder feedback from the consultation will inform a report to be provided to WHS ministers for their consideration."

Why Safe Work Australia Is Seeking Feedback

Engineered stone products have been linked to serious health conditions among workers who cut, grind, or polish these materials without adequate controls. Safe Work Australia's consultation process aims to gather evidence from employers, workers, and safety professionals on how a prohibition would affect operations across the country.

This round of consultation builds on earlier feedback sought on the effectiveness of the proposed engineered stone ban, giving businesses another opportunity to weigh in before final decisions get made.

What Stakeholders Should Know

Businesses currently working with engineered stone should review available safety resources and prepare for potential regulatory changes. Key considerations include:

• Understanding current risk exposure levels within your workplace
• Reviewing existing safety resources related to stone-cutting operations
• Assessing how a ban might impact ongoing or planned projects
• Submitting feedback through Engage before the 2 April 2023 deadline

Employers managing risk around stone fabrication tasks may also benefit from reviewing stone pitching safe work method statements and stone mechanical fixing SWMS documentation to ensure compliance measures align with current safety expectations.

Background on the Proposed Ban

Safe Work Australia has published new guidance materials throughout this process, reflecting growing concern over health risk associated with engineered stone dust exposure. Previous consultation rounds saw the regulator address stakeholder questions, and this latest stage represents a continuation of that dialogue.

For businesses wanting broader context, our earlier coverage on Safe Work Australia's welcome of the engineered stone ban and updates on additional information released ahead of the ban provide useful background.

How to Prepare Your Workplace

Regardless of the consultation outcome, businesses should prioritise safety across all stone-related tasks. Reviewing and updating safe work method statements remains one of the most effective ways to manage risk while regulatory settings evolve.

Trades involved in rigging or heavy stone handling should also consult relevant rigging safe work procedures to ensure broader site safety practices remain robust during this transition period.

Have Your Say

Stakeholders are encouraged to act before the deadline closes. Feedback gathered through this consultation will directly shape the report presented to WHS ministers, making this a critical window for anyone with a stake in the outcome.

Read more on the Safe Work Australia website.