Illegal engineered stone seized after nationwide ban

Stone suppliers and manufacturers across Victoria have faced surprise WorkSafe inspections, with hundreds of illegal benchtops detected since the state’s engineered stone ban took effect on 1 July. WorkSafe’s Silica Field Team visited 52 industry sites in the past month, issuing 25 compliance notices and seizing more than 65 samples of suspected engineered stone, as well as products branded as porcelain and sintered stone, to test for silica and resin content. The team has also applied non-disturbance notices to nearly 1000 banned engineered stone benchtops to prevent their supply to Victorian businesses and consumers.

Occupational Health and Safety regulations banning engineered stone apply to all Victorian employers, regardless of any previous contractual obligations. WorkSafe has warned that it will take strong compliance and enforcement action, which could include prosecution and significant fines, against duty holders flouting the ban. The removal, repair or modification of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs installed before 1 July is permitted, as long as strict control measures are implemented.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said importers, suppliers and manufacturers were put on notice prior to the ban and have had ample time to comply, adding that while most businesses are doing the right thing and moving away from engineered stone, a small number have continued to put workers at risk. “WorkSafe will continue to closely monitor the stone supply and manufacturing industry, so if you’re still working with engineered stone — expect a visit from our inspectors soon,” Jenkin said.

The ban was introduced in response to increasing rates of silicosis and silica-related diseases in Australian workers, including a large number of workers exposed to crystalline silica dust while processing engineered stone products such as benchtops, panels or slabs. Silicosis is a potentially fatal disease that has impacted more than 680 Victorian workers since 2018, including 20 who have lost their lives.

WorkSafe Manager of Earth Resources and Silica Ben Wright said his team have already referred two duty holders for investigation for suspected supply and processing of engineered stone products after 1 July. “Inspectors have also issued improvement notices to duty holders who didn’t have the necessary hazard control statements or information about the silica content of alternative products such as porcelain or sintered stone,” Wright said.

WorkSafe’s construction inspectors have also provided guidance and advice to 204 residential and commercial builders in the past month. Those with concerns about health and safety in the workplace, including risks associated with engineered stone, can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.

Image credit: iStock.com/SilviaJansen