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

Workplace Safety Ministers Approve New Model WHS Regulations for Engineered Stone Ban

WHS ministers have recently approved two sets of changes to model WHS regulations to safeguard workers from silicosis, a respiratory illness triggered by inhaling respirable crystalline silica particles. These updates strengthen protections across workplaces handling materials containing crystalline silica.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Engineered stone ban takes effect from 1 July 2024
• Stronger controls for all crystalline silica substances start 1 September 2024
• Each jurisdiction must amend its own work health and safety laws to give effect to both changes

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 equipment and substances that contain crystalline silica, effective from September 1, 2024.

Why the Engineered Stone Ban Matters

Engineered stone products are widely used in benchtops and fixtures, yet cutting and grinding this equipment releases fine crystalline silica dust. Prolonged exposure carries serious risk for tradespeople, particularly those working with fabrication equipment on a daily basis. Safe Work Australia's approach reflects a broader push to reduce risk across industries where hazardous dust exposure remains common.

For further background on how this ban developed, see our earlier coverage of the report calling for a ban on engineered stone and the subsequent report presented to WHS ministers.

Implementation Across Jurisdictions

"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.

This staged rollout gives businesses time to adjust equipment, processes, and procurement practices ahead of each deadline. Employers relying on cutting or fabrication equipment involving silica-containing products should review current controls now rather than waiting until enforcement begins.

What This Means for Employers

Organisations across Australia should start reviewing their exposure to hazardous dust now, well ahead of the September deadline. Practical steps include:

• Auditing equipment and materials that contain crystalline silica
• Identifying safer substitute products where engineered stone is currently used
• Updating workplace health and safety documentation to reflect new obligations

Employers seeking guidance on broader compliance obligations may also find our Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy template useful when updating internal procedures.

More information is available on the Safe Work Australia website. For related updates on regulatory enforcement, see our report on 40 new inspectors for workplace safety. Businesses operating across the Tasman can also explore our safety documents for New Zealand businesses and workplace safety rules for NZ resources.