WorkSafe Victoria is reminding employers that strict controls to protect workers from deadly crystalline silica dust will be enforced in the lead-up to the nationwide engineered stone ban later this year.

Victoria already has the strongest regulatory regime in Australia concerning the use of engineered stone, including a ban on the uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone and requiring businesses undertaking engineered stone processes to hold a licence.

“Banning the use of engineered stone will save lives, but we don’t want to see workers put at additional risk as employers rush to finish work and process engineered stone ahead of the national ban,” WorkSafe executive director, health and safety Narelle Beer says.

“It’s crucial that employers continue to protect themselves and their workers and WorkSafe will continue to champion this issue as the engineered stone ban approaches.”

A WorkSafe campaign raising awareness of the ban on engineered stone has begun, including advertising in regional and culturally diverse publications, multi-lingual social media messaging and communications to licence holders.

The Victorian Government is working on enacting the prohibition of engineered stone through amendments needed to Victoria’s occupational health and safety laws from 1 July 2024.

Some exceptions will be made for the removal, repair, minor modification and disposal of engineered stone products installed before the ban (legacy products) as well as appropriate exceptions for engineered stone products with trace levels of crystalline silica (under 1%).

Workers in the industry can have a comprehensive health assessment at the Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic, offered in partnership between WorkSafe and The Alfred.

Current Victorian engineered stone licences will remain valid as work continues to raise awareness of the ban and its impact on the stonemason industry before it comes into effect.

More information about silica safety and the ban on engineered stone can be found on the WorkSafe Victoria website.