WorkSafe campaign raises awareness about engineered stone prohibition

WorkSafe campaign raises awareness about engineered stone prohibition ahead of the impending ban on this widely used building material. The initiative aims to protect workers and safeguard health across sectors that rely on engineered stone products in their daily tasks.

The campaign targets workers in regional communities who are involved in working with engineered stone. Additionally, messaging will be translated into different languages to effectively communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse communities that play a significant role in the construction industry.

Why the Engineered Stone Ban Matters for Safety

Engineered stone contains hazardous silica dust that poses serious health risks when cut, ground or polished without proper controls. Exposure has been linked to silicosis and other respiratory conditions, making this a priority issue for occupational health and safety regulators nationwide.

Construction and manufacturing businesses handling these products must understand their obligations under current OHS legislation while preparing for the upcoming prohibition. WorkSafe's outreach forms part of a broader national campaign designed to increase awareness before enforcement begins.

Campaign Timeline and Next Steps

The awareness push will continue until February, leading up to a meeting of national workplace safety ministers who will determine the final details of the ban. This timeline gives businesses in construction and related trades a window to review processes, source alternative products and consult available resources.

Employers should use this period to:

• Review current OHS practices around engineered stone handling
• Explore compliant alternative products for benchtops and cladding
• Access safety resources to support workplace transition planning
• Communicate upcoming changes clearly to all affected staff

Supporting a Safer Construction Industry

Queensland is extremely proud of its role in pushing this national conversation forward, alongside other jurisdictions committed to eliminating preventable exposure to hazardous dust. For businesses seeking guidance, SafetyDocs has previously reported on related developments, including how WorkSafe issues reminders about engineered stone prohibition and how the government supports the prohibition on engineered stone imports.

Victorian employers can also review how WorkSafe encourages Victorians to explore engineered stone options as they plan for compliance ahead of the national deadline.

Construction businesses still using engineered stone products should consider updating relevant documentation, including Stone Fabricating SWMS and Stone Cladding SWMS, to reflect current safety expectations while transitioning away from prohibited materials.

Ongoing training remains essential during this period of change. A well-maintained Training Competency and Awareness Policy helps ensure staff understand new OHS requirements as the ban takes effect.

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