NSW Govt enforces engineered stone ban via inspections

Over 100 improvement notices have been issued to workplaces as part of the NSW Government’s efforts to enforce the engineered stone ban.

The national ban on engineered stone, which commenced on 1 July 2024, prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing at least 1% silica.

Established since September, the government is funding a new team of dedicated inspectors to enforce the ban. This $2.5 million investment will see specialised silica inspectors issue prohibition notices to stop work that generates high levels of silica dust. Businesses can face penalties of up to $40,000 for noncompliance.

“Between July 2023 and June 2024 there were 115 new silicosis cases and sadly 10 people died from the disease. From July to September there have been a further 23 new cases of silicosis reported,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis.

“The new requirements, along with enforcement and education from the new silica compliance team, and the engineered stone importation ban, will hopefully go a long way in bringing those numbers down and create safer workplaces.”

In the first two months since inspections began, the new SafeWork NSW’s Silica Compliance Team has conducted 118 inspections, issuing 125 improvement notices and seven prohibition notices in workplaces.

This includes a blitz in southwest Sydney during late October, where the team conducted over 36 inspections. During the blitz, 47 improvement notices and five prohibition notices were issued. Inspectors focused on dry cutting, appropriate use of respiratory protective equipment, and health monitoring.

“No one deserves to have their health compromised due to their working environment,” said Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW.

“I’m pleased to see our inspectors out and about educating and enforcing the new silica regulations. They will continue their zero-tolerance approach to protecting workers’ lives from being endangered through exposure to deadly crystalline silica dust.”

In addition, the icare Lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

In 2025, the Lung Bus will travel right around the state, including stops in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Dubbo, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Newcastle.

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