WA backs ban on engineered stone

WA Backs Ban on Engineered Stone to Protect Worker Health

The Western Australian Government says it supports a ban on engineered stone to protect workers from silicosis, a preventable lung disease linked to silica dust exposure.

A recent Safe Work Australia report recommended a national ban on engineered stone use, citing serious health risks associated with cutting, grinding and polishing these products.

Worksafe Data Highlights Silicosis Cases

Worksafe data shows 48 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis in Western Australia since 2018, underscoring the scale of harm this material has caused within the state's construction and fabrication sectors.

“The Cook Government considers this information as indicative of the risks of working with engineered stone, which is why it supports WA joining other jurisdictions in supporting a proposed national ban on the future use of engineered stone,” the State Government said in a statement.

National Safety Management Response Underway

Workplace health and safety ministers will meet this month to consider a national ban, with management of silica-related risks expected to feature heavily in discussions.

Effective safety management remains central to reducing silicosis rates across industries reliant on engineered stone products. Strong health and safety management frameworks help employers identify hazards before harm occurs, rather than reacting after diagnosis.

Businesses currently relying on engineered stone products should begin reviewing their safety management systems now, ahead of any formal ban taking effect. Proactive management of exposure risks demonstrates genuine commitment to worker health, not merely regulatory compliance.

Government support for a nationwide prohibition reflects growing consensus among health authorities that no safe threshold exists for prolonged silica dust exposure. Management teams across manufacturing, construction and healthcare facilities should treat this development as a signal to strengthen internal safety management protocols immediately.

What This Means for Safety Management Practices

Organisations still using engineered stone products face mounting pressure to phase out this material well before any formal ban commences. Robust management of transition timelines will prove essential for businesses seeking to protect both worker health and operational continuity.

Safety management professionals should monitor developments closely, as other states have already taken decisive steps toward prohibition. Related coverage includes Tasmania's enactment of its engineered stone ban and broader reporting on how Australia plans to ban engineered stone next year.

Stakeholders interested in how public feedback shaped this policy direction can review the published submissions on the proposed engineered stone ban.

Supporting Safer Work Practices During Transition

While engineered stone remains legal pending final government decisions, employers should prioritise safety management measures that limit silica dust exposure wherever cutting or fabrication work continues.

Relevant safe work method statements, including those covering stone fabricating, stone cladding and stone cutting using rock saws in quarry settings, offer practical guidance for managing residual risks during this transition period.

Workplace health and safety ministers' upcoming meeting represents a pivotal moment for national management of silicosis prevention. Read more here.