01 July 2024
UPDATE: Engineered Stone Ban – Changes from 1 July 2024
Recently, there have been some significant changes with respect to the install, manufacture, process or supply of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
As of 1 July 2024, a national ban has been implemented on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
The ban has been implemented to protect a large number of Australian workers from the potentially fatal effects of exposure to crystalline silica dust that can be generated from cutting, crushing, drilling, soldering or even polishing the stone.
From 1 July 2024, businesses will not be permitted to:
- Install
- Manufacture
- Process or
- Supply engineered stone, benchtops, panels and slabs.
Transitional Period
Changes implemented under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012, allow for a transitional period so that eligible contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, provided they are completed by 31 December 2024.
It is important to remember to stay safe if you are required to work on a previously installed engineered stone. Certain work can be carried out with previously installed engineered stone products but only the removal, repair or minor modifications are permitted. In which case, the employer is to notify SafeWork SA prior to this.
If you are to work on previously installed engineered stone, your employer must take measures to protect you in the workplace from risks to your health and safety such as by implementing control measures.
In the event you have any concerns about specific tasks involving the removal of engineered stone then please contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 or Madelaina Mestroni, Personal Injury lawyer at Andersons on 8238 6666 or email enquiry@andersons.com.au
You can read our previous articles related to dust diseases and compensation claims here.