Victoria cracks down on engineered stone to protect workers

A BAN on the processing, manufacture, and supply of engineered stone is now fully in effect across Victoria, as authorities continue efforts to prevent workplace exposure to deadly silica dust.

WorkSafe inspectors have conducted 326 inspections of stonemasons and suppliers since the state implemented the ban on July 1 last year.

These inspections have resulted in 110 improvement notices and five referrals for investigation over suspected illegal processing or supply of engineered stone.

Deputy premier and minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll said too many Victorian workers have already lost their lives or suffer the debilitating effects of silicosis as a result of working with engineered stone.

“No one should die for a kitchen benchtop – that’s why the Allan Labor government led the nation and swiftly implemented the ban on processing, manufacture and supply of engineered stone,” Carroll said.

The ban, part of a nationwide prohibition that includes a federal import ban from January 1, applies to all workplaces, regardless of previous contractual obligations.

The construction industry has also received guidance on controlling crystalline silica dust, with WorkSafe inspectors advising 865 residential and commercial builders since the ban took effect.

A licensing scheme introduced in Victoria in 2021 helped prepare the industry for the transition, but authorities continue to monitor compliance. Since 2018, more than 700 Victorian workers have been diagnosed with silica-related disease, with 20 deaths linked to engineered stone processing.

WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said the proactive approach had paid off.

“WorkSafe will continue to take strong compliance and enforcement action, which could include possible prosecution and potentially significant fines, against any businesses looking to ignore the ban,” Jenkin said.

Existing engineered stone benchtops, panels, or slabs installed before July 1, 2024, can still be removed, repaired, or modified, but only under strict dust control measures.

Victorians with concerns about workplace safety related to engineered stone can phone WorkSafe’s advisory service at 1800 136 089.