WorkSafe inspectors recently visited a carpentry business where workers were in the process of making a large entertainment unit with an engineered stone top.
The stone had been cut the day before, and the factory was in the process of finalising fabrication of the cabinet.
A prohibition notice was issued to the business that required the stone slab to be disposed of and the evidence of disposal submitted to WorkSafe.
In December 2023, the decision was made to ban engineered stone slabs and panels across Australia, with the ban coming into effect from July 1, 2024.
A transitional arrangement was put into place that allowed installation of the products for contracts signed before January 1, 2024, provided they were installed by December 31.
A total ban on manufacturing, supplying, processing or installing engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs containing one percent or more crystalline silica has applied since January 1 this year.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North today reminded industry of the ban and warned that inspectors are checking on compliance.
“WorkSafe inspectors are out and about conducting a proactive compliance program aimed at reminding businesses that it’s now against the law to process engineered stone in workplaces or to supply it,” Ms North said.
“The ban is aimed at protecting workers from the risk of silicosis, which is a serious, irreversible lung disease that causes permanent disability and can be fatal.
“The processing of engineered stone produces a very fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica which, when breathed in, can cause silicosis.
“The business our inspectors recently found still processing engineered stone will now pay the price by having to dispose of that product, and should it be necessary to take further action with any business using the prohibited material, penalties of up to $35,000 apply.”
Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 0408 927563 (media enquiries only). caroline.devaney@demirs.wa.gov.au