Victorian Businesses Adapt to Engineered Stone Ban

Engineered Stone Ban Finally in Full Effect

The ban on processing, manufacturing, and supplying engineered stone is now in full effect across Australia. A federal ban on importing the product also started on 1 January, 2025.

Victoria led the way by fully enforcing the ban on 1 July last year. Since then, WorkSafe inspectors have:

• Provided advice to over 1,100 businesses
• Conducted 263 inspections of stonemasons and suppliers
• Issued 99 improvement notices
• Referred 4 operators for investigation over suspected illegal activities.

WorkSafe has also ensured the construction industry is aware of the ongoing obligations for controlling crystalline silica dust, with inspectors providing guidance and advice to 865 residential and commercial builders in the past six months.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said Victoria’s introduction of a licensing scheme for processing engineered stone in November 2021 meant the industry was well positioned to adapt to the ban.

“Our proactive approach to working with the stonemason industry has paid off – with the vast majority aware of their obligations and wanting to do everything to protect workers from deadly silica dust,” Mr Jenkin said.

“WorkSafe will, however, 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.”

Since 2018, over 700 Victorian workers have been affected by silicosis, including 20 lives lost. Most cases are linked to processing and manufacturing engineered stone. Victorian regulations banning engineered stone apply to all employers, self-employed persons or those with management or control of a workplace, regardless of any previous contractual obligations.

Existing engineered stone (installed before 1 July 2024) can only be removed, repaired, or modified if strict silica dust controls are in place.

Victorian businesses can no longer supply engineered stone to other states.

While storage is not prohibited, uninstalled engineered stone must be clearly identified and separated from any non-banned products. WorkSafe recommends planning for how to dispose of any uninstalled engineered stone at appropriate sites in accordance with Environment Protection Authority guidelines for industrial waste.

Those with concerns about health and safety in a workplace, including risks associated with engineered stone, can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.

For more information on crystalline silica, including control measures: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/crystalline-silica

For information on data sheets visit

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/interpreting-data-sheets-identify-engineered-stone