Tasmania officially enacts ban on engineered stone

Tasmania Officially Enacts Ban on Engineered Stone

Tasmania officially enacts ban on engineered stone, with production, distribution and processing of engineered stone benchtops now prohibited across the state. This decisive move follows mounting evidence of severe health risks facing tradespeople working with these products daily.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie, emphasised the importance of protecting workers from hazardous silica dust produced by engineered stone, stating that workplace health and safety remains a top priority for all Tasmanians.

Why the Engineered Stone Ban Was Introduced

"It was unacceptable that as many as one in four workers were developing silicosis from exposure to engineered stone, and we have listened to evidence and acted," the Minister said.

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles released when cutting, grinding or polishing stone benchtops. According to Safe Work Australia, exposure to this hazardous dust has become one of the most pressing occupational health concerns facing the construction industry nationwide.

A Coordinated National Approach

"We have proceeded in a prudent way by engaging in consultation with key industry stakeholders, after coordinating this nationally with Work Health and Safety Ministers in other jurisdictions," Minister Ogilvie noted. "We have provided for a six-month transition period away from engineered stone to ensure the best outcome for all."

Tasmania's ban aligns with similar action taken elsewhere, reinforcing a unified national stance on this hazardous material. Businesses across the engineered stone ban receiving backing from Tasmania can review how the transition period supports affected employers and tradespeople.

What This Means for Industry

Employers within the construction and manufacturing industry must now adjust operations to comply with the ban, sourcing safer alternative products for benchtops and surfaces. This shift represents a significant change for suppliers, fabricators and installers throughout the industry.

Businesses can find further information on managing this transition and maintaining compliance with updated health and safety obligations by reviewing government guidance materials and industry resources.

Broader National Context

Tasmania's decision reflects growing momentum across Australia, with WA backing a ban on engineered stone and other states following suit. Read more about how Australia plans to ban engineered stone nationally in the coming year.

For industry professionals seeking compliant documentation during this transition, resources such as our Stone Fabricating SWMS outline safety procedures relevant to affected trades. Related archived guidance, including our Stone Cladding SWMS and Stone Cutting - Rock Saw - Quarry documentation, remains available for reference as businesses adapt their processing practices.

Read more here.