Full Ban On The Cutting Of Engineered Stone Is In Effect

Engineered stone, also known as quartz or agglomerate stone, is a composite material made by combining crushed stone with a resin binder. This manufactured product is created in a factory and can be customized to meet the specifications of any project.

For many years, engineered stone was considered an attractive option for builders and homeowners due to its durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. However, despite these benefits, the severe risk of developing life-threatening silicosis from working with it became evident, particularly for stonemasons, installers, and other workers exposed to the dust.

The majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years have been among engineered stone workers. These workers become ill more quickly, experience faster disease progression, and have higher mortality rates compared to other workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.
On December 13, 2023, WHS ministers agreed with Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to ban all engineered stone due to the unacceptable risk it poses to workers. Expert analysis indicates that dust from engineered stone presents unique hazards, and there is no evidence that engineered stone with lower silica content (e.g., 40% or 10%) is any safer to work with.
On March 22, 2024, WHS ministers agreed to restrict the ban to engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs, as these are the products most commonly processed in Australia and pose the highest risk to workers.
Engineered stone products not intended for processing, such as prefabricated sinks, jewelry, and garden ornaments, are exempt from the ban. However, any work involving the processing of engineered stone that is not a benchtop, panel, or slab must still implement control measures.
Available evidence suggests that engineered stone products do not pose a safety risk after installation in your home or workplace, provided they are not processed (e.g., cut or polished) with electric tools. Health and safety risks may arise if silica dust is generated during the removal, repair, minor modification, or disposal of legacy engineered stone.
It is important to avoid DIY work with engineered stone. For repairs, minor modifications, removal, or disposal of legacy engineered stone, such as benchtops or splashbacks, contact a qualified tradesperson. The tradesperson must implement control measures to minimize dust generation and wear appropriate respiratory protection.

Australia has now banned the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone. As per the Australian Government, the ban will not apply to porcelain and sintered stone products (including bench tops, slaps and panels). The ban also does not include finished engineered stone products that do not need to be processed or modified such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks.

The ban will apply to all engineered stone products that:

Contain 1 percent or more crystalline silica
Are created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents (such as water, resins, or pigments)
Undergo a process to become hardened

Many other man-made products containing crystalline silica will be exempt from the ban. These include concrete and cement products; bricks, pavers, and other similar blocks; ceramic and porcelain products; wall, floor, and roof tiles; grout, mortar, and render; and plasterboard.

Work Health and Safety Ministers have agreed to introduce nationally consistent exemptions for additional products where evidence proves they can be used safely.

For more information, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au