A national ban on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will come into effect on 1 July 2024 to protect Australian workers from the potentially fatal effects of respirable crystalline silica dust.
The decision was based on a recommendation by Safe Work Australia following expert advice about the rise of silicosis in engineered stone workers.
Transitional arrangements exist in South Australia, so contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, providing they are completed by 31 December 2024.
Engineered stone can be safely used once installed, so long as it remains undisturbed and no work is carried out to remove, repair or modify it as this could generate silica dust.
There is no requirement to remove engineered stone that is already installed.
Porcelain products are excluded from the ban along with finished engineered stone products such as jewellery, garden ornaments sculptures and kitchen sinks which do not require processing or modification.
Need help or more information?
More details, including factsheets, are available on the SafeWork SA website: Engineered stone ban | SafeWork SA
Amendments to South Australia’s Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 associated with the ban will be published on the SafeWork SA website.
South Australian Business Chamber members can also call our Business Advice Hotline at (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1)
