On 13 December 2023, work health and safety ministers agreed to Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to prohibit the use of engineered stone in Australia.
WHS ministers unanimously agreed to prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of all engineered stone with the majority of jurisdictions to commence the prohibition from 1 July 2024.
To keep our members informed and to give effect to that decision, Safe Work Australia is drafting amendments to the model WHS Regulations. These draft amendments will be provided to WHS ministers this month. Each jurisdiction will need to implement these amendments in their own WHS laws for the changes to take effect.
Repairs, minor modification, and removal of engineered stone products previously installed, will not be subject to the prohibition. Safe Work Australia is developing a national framework to ensure the safe handling of previously installed engineered stone products.
Safe Work Australia will develop guidance to assist PCBUS and workers in understanding the WHS impact of these changes and help them prepare for them.
Until the prohibition comes into effect, if workers and businesses continue to work with engineered stone, they must do so in a controlled manner. This includes the use of:
- Water suppression systems
- On-tool extraction
- Local exhaust ventilation systems, and
- Respiratory protective equipment for workers.
Businesses are encouraged to be mindful of the upcoming prohibition on the use of engineered stone products and to avoid entering into contracts for these products that may not be able to be fulfilled by the prohibition deadline.
ACFA will keep our members informed as new information becomes available and once the guidelines are released. ACFA are here to help our members understand how the amendments to the model WHS Regulations will affect them and support them in preparing for the upcoming changes.
Further information on the prohibition of engineered stone can also be found on the prohibition page from Safework Australia page. To find out more about workplace exposure to silica dust go to Safe Work Australia’s Clean Air. Clear Lungs. web page: swa.gov.au/clearlungs
ACFA Members
ACFA members, can contact our workplace advice team for assistance in relation to employment matters which may impact your business.
Members can also view and download resources from the ACFA Member Portal WHS/ Crystalline Silica Tab – please remember to enter your username and password to be able to access the member only resources
