Since the ban: Victoria gives an engineered stone update

Since the 1 July 2024 nationwide ban on the processing, manufacture and supply of engineered stone, in Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria inspectors have carried out 326 inspections of stonemasons and suppliers, 110 improvement notices have been issued, and five operators have been referred for investigation over suspected illegal processing or supply of engineered stone.

“Our proactive approach to working with the stonemason industry has paid off — with the vast majority aware of their obligations and wanting to do everything to protect workers from deadly silica dust,” WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said. “WorkSafe will continue to take strong compliance and enforcement action, which could include possible prosecution and potentially significant fines, against any businesses looking to ignore the ban.”

The Victorian work health and safety regulator has also taken steps to ensure the construction industry is aware of the ongoing obligations for controlling crystalline silica dust — with 865 commercial and residential builders being provided advice and guidance by inspectors since the ban took effect.

In Victoria alone, more than 700 workers have been impacted by silica-related disease since the start of 2018, including 20 who have lost their lives. The majority of those impacted have been linked to the processing and manufacturing of engineered stone — the state introduced a licensing scheme for processing engineered stone in November 2021.

“Too many Victorian workers have already lost their lives or suffer the debilitating effects of silicosis as a result of working with engineered stone,” Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll said. “No one should die for a kitchen benchtop — that’s why the Allan Labor government led the nation and swiftly implemented the ban on processing, manufacture and supply of engineered stone.”

Victorian regulations banning engineered stone apply to all employers, self-employed persons or those with management or control of a workplace, regardless of any previous contractual obligations, and include any trade working with stone benchtops, panels or slabs, the onus being on duty holders to ensure the products they are working with do not contain engineered stone — even if they are supplied by the customer or another business.

In the case of existing engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs, those that were installed prior to 1 July 2024 can be removed, repaired, modified and reinstalled in the same position, provided strict measures are in place to control silica dust.

Anyone in Victoria with WHS concerns, including risks associated with engineered stone, can contact WorkSafe Victoria’s advisory service on 1800 136 089. Information on crystalline silica — including control measures — and how to interpret product datasheets to identify engineered stone can be found here and here, via the WorkSafe Victoria website.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is currently seeking feedback on the operation of the engineered stone ban. Public consultation is now open until 11.59 pm (AEDT) on Monday, 31 March 2025. You can have your say here, via the SWA consultation hub.

Image credit: iStock.com/Nikola Stojadinovic. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.