Safe Work Australia welcomes engineered stone ban

Safe Work Australia welcomes engineered stone ban, confirming that workplace safety ministers have agreed to prohibit engineered stone across the country. The decision marks a significant milestone for workplace health and safety in high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing.

Safe Work Australia says it will move with speed to implement the ban, adding that the prohibition will help improve health and safety outcomes in Australian workplaces.

Why Safe Work Australia Supports the Engineered Stone Ban

“Workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica has led to an unacceptable increase in the number of cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases,” Safe Work Australia CEO, Marie Boland said.

“Expert analysis shows that silica dust from engineered stone poses unique hazards and there is no evidence that low silica engineered stone is safe to work with.”

Safe Work Australia had earlier recommended a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone in a report published in October, citing hazardous exposure risks tied to cutting, grinding and polishing this material. Businesses relying on stone pitching safe work method statements and related documentation should review their processes ahead of the prohibition taking effect.

What This Means for Workplace Safety

Engineered stone has long been recognised as a hazardous material due to its high silica content, which becomes airborne during fabrication. Removing engineered stone from Australian worksites is expected to reduce silicosis diagnoses significantly over time, supporting long-term health protections for tradespeople.

Businesses previously using stone mechanical fixing safe work method statements or managing rigging tasks under a rigging safe work procedure should factor this ban into upcoming safety reviews and documentation updates.

Employers can also stay informed by reviewing broader safe work method statements guidance, which outlines requirements for managing hazardous tasks safely across various industries.

Ongoing Safety Commitment

Safe Work Australia continues monitoring outcomes since the ban's introduction, having previously invited feedback through consultations such as Safe Work Australia's review on the effectiveness of engineered stone ban and its earlier call for input via public feedback on engineered stone ban proposals. Further detail regarding implementation appeared in updates on the upcoming ban on engineered stone.

Safety professionals seeking wider context on national safety initiatives may also find value in resources from National Safe Work Month 2023 promotions, which highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen safety culture across Australian industries.

Additional information is available on the Safe Work Australia website.