Business caught cutting stone after ban implemented
A WA carpentry business was recently found to be working with engineered stone after the nationwide ban was put in place.
WorkSafe inspectors paid a visit to the worksite, where workers were in the process of making a large entertainment unit with an engineered stone top.
The stone had been cut the day before, and the factory was in the process of finalising fabrication of the cabinet.
A prohibition notice was issued to the business that required the stone slab to be disposed of and the evidence of disposal submitted to WorkSafe.
In December 2023, the decision was made to ban engineered stone slabs and panels across Australia, with the ban coming into effect from 1 July 2024.
A transitional arrangement was put into place that allowed installation of the products for contracts signed before 1 January 2024, provided they were installed by 31 December 2024.
A total ban on manufacturing, supplying, processing or installing engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs containing 1% or more crystalline silica has applied since 1 January 2025.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North has reminded industry of the ban and warned that inspectors are checking on compliance.
“WorkSafe inspectors are out and about conducting a proactive compliance program aimed at reminding businesses that it’s now against the law to process engineered stone in workplaces or to supply it,” she said.
“The ban is aimed at protecting workers from the risk of silicosis, which is a serious, irreversible lung disease that causes permanent disability and can be fatal.
“The processing of engineered stone produces a very fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica which, when breathed in, can cause silicosis.
“The business our inspectors recently found still processing engineered stone will now pay the price by having to dispose of that product, and should it be necessary to take further action with any business using the prohibited material, penalties of up to $35,000 apply.”
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