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I work with engineered stone
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians have safe workplaces. This ban protects you from working with a dangerous product.
You may still work on installed engineered stone, however you must use appropriate safety controls.
You can contact the work health and safety regulator in your state or territory for more detail. You can also visit Safe Work Australia for more information
I’m a business
As of 1 July 2024, you and your workers cannot work with new engineered stone slabs, panels and benchtops. This includes installing, manufacturing, processing or supplying engineered stone products. Some state and territory governments have adopted transitional arrangements for contracts entered into on or before 31 December 2023 to allow certain work with engineered stone to continue until 31 December 2024.
You can still work on engineered stone products that are already installed. This involves the removal, repair, minor modification and disposal of engineered stone products. However, you must follow the appropriate safety requirements.
For information on the ban and using installed engineered stone products, you can contact the work health and safety regulator in your state or territory or visit Safe Work Australia.
For more on how to keep your workers safe from silica dust, visit Safe Work Australia.
I’m a consumer
Engineered stone is widely used in benchtops. It is safe once installed so long as it remains undisturbed (i.e. no work is being carried out to remove, repair or modify it).
There is no need to remove engineered stone from homes or workplaces as it does not pose health risks if left undisturbed.
It is important not to undertake DIY work with engineered stone benchtops, slabs or panels. Cutting, grinding, trimming, drilling, sanding or polishing can generate silica dust that can be harmful when inhaled. Contact a qualified tradesperson instead.