Workplace safety ministers approve new model WHS regulations for engineered stone ban

WHS ministers have recently approved two sets of changes to the model WHS Regulations to safeguard workers from silicosis, a respiratory illness triggered by inhaling respirable crystalline silica particles.

Safe Work Australia says these amendments have been introduced to enforce the prohibition of engineered stone starting from July 1, 2024.

Additionally, they aim to establish more stringent regulations for all substances that contain crystalline silica, effective from September 1, 2024.

“Individual jurisdictions must make the amendments within their respective work health and safety laws to implement the ban in their jurisdiction from 1 July 2024 and the stronger regulation of all materials containing crystalline silica from 1 September 2024,” Safe Work Australia said.

More information is available on the Safe Work Australia website.