Engineered Stone Ban Victoria: What Employers Need to Know

Victoria has become one of the first jurisdictions globally to implement a comprehensive ban on engineered stone, responding to the alarming rise in silicosis cases among workers. If your business involves manufacturing, supplying, or working with engineered stone products, understanding the silica testing Victoria regulatory landscape and how these new rules apply is essential for compliance and worker protection. This guide covers everything Victorian employers need to know about the engineered stone ban, including timelines, exemptions, and practical steps for workplace transition.

What is the Engineered Stone Ban in Victoria?

Engineered stone, also known as artificial or composite stone, has been a popular material for kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, and other surfaces due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, cutting, grinding, and polishing this material releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust that can cause silicosis—an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease.

In December 2023, the Victorian Government announced a ban on the manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered stone products, following an extensive review by Safe Work Australia. The decision was driven by compelling evidence that even with strict control measures, workers continue to be exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust when working with engineered stone.

The ban represents a significant shift in workplace safety regulation and reflects Victoria’s commitment to protecting workers from preventable occupational diseases. It aligns with similar measures being implemented across other Australian states and territories, creating a nationally consistent approach to this workplace hazard.

When Does the Ban Take Effect?

Victoria’s engineered stone ban operates under a phased implementation schedule:

• From 1 July 2024: Ban on manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered stone products came into effect across Australia
• Transitional arrangements: Limited exemptions apply for certain existing contracts and installations
• Ongoing obligations: Workplaces still working with existing engineered stone installations must continue to meet strict silica exposure control requirements

Employers should note that while the ban focuses on new products, it doesn’t remove obligations around existing engineered stone already installed in workplaces or homes. Workers who cut, drill, or modify existing engineered stone surfaces remain at risk and require appropriate protection.

Who is Affected by the Ban?

The engineered stone ban affects a range of Victorian businesses and workers:

Kitchen and bathroom manufacturers who previously worked with engineered stone benchtops must transition to alternative materials. This includes both large-scale manufacturers and small custom fabrication businesses.

Stone masons and fabricators who cut, shape, and install engineered stone are directly affected. Many are transitioning to natural stone, porcelain, or other alternative materials that present lower silica risks.

Builders and renovators who specify or install engineered stone products can no longer use these materials in new construction or renovation projects.

Wholesalers and suppliers of engineered stone products must cease supply operations and manage existing inventory in compliance with the ban.

Workers in maintenance roles who may need to modify existing engineered stone installations remain protected under Victoria’s silica control requirements and require appropriate training and protective equipment.

Compliance Requirements for Victorian Workplaces

Victorian employers affected by the engineered stone ban must take several steps to ensure compliance:

Audit your materials inventory: Identify all engineered stone products in your workplace or supply chain. Document quantities, types, and intended use to determine what can be used under transitional arrangements and what must be disposed of or repurposed.

Review existing contracts: Assess whether any contracts fall under transitional provisions. Some existing orders may be fulfilled under strict conditions, but new contracts for engineered stone products are prohibited.

Update safe work procedures: If your workers continue to work with existing engineered stone—for example, during removal or modification of installed surfaces—ensure safe work procedures reflect current silica exposure control requirements.

Train your workforce: All workers who may encounter engineered stone must understand the ban, associated risks, and required controls. Training should cover recognition of engineered stone products, health effects of silica exposure, and correct use of respiratory protection.

Engage occupational hygiene expertise: Professional assessment of silica exposure risks and control measures helps ensure compliance and protects worker health.

Testing and Assessment Obligations

Even with the ban in place, Victorian workplaces have ongoing testing and assessment obligations related to silica:

Exposure monitoring: Where workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica—including from remaining work with engineered stone or other silica-generating tasks—air monitoring is required to assess exposure levels against the workplace exposure standard.

Health surveillance: Workers exposed to silica require ongoing health monitoring, including chest X-rays and lung function testing. Medical monitoring should continue for workers previously exposed to significant silica levels during engineered stone work.

Control verification: Testing of engineering controls such as ventilation systems and water suppression equipment ensures they remain effective at controlling silica exposure.

These obligations require specialised expertise and equipment. Partnering with qualified occupational hygienists ensures your testing program meets regulatory requirements and provides accurate, actionable data.

How Occhygiene Supports Compliance

Occhygiene provides comprehensive support for Victorian workplaces navigating the engineered stone ban and ongoing silica obligations:

Workplace assessments: Our certified occupational hygienists conduct thorough assessments to identify silica hazards, evaluate exposure risks, and recommend appropriate controls.

Air monitoring programs: We design and implement exposure monitoring programs tailored to your workplace, helping you understand worker exposures and demonstrate compliance with exposure standards.

Control recommendations: Based on assessment findings, we provide practical recommendations for engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment.

Training delivery: We offer silica awareness training for workers and supervisors, covering hazard recognition, health effects, and control measures.

Documentation support: Our reports provide the documentation needed to satisfy regulatory requirements and support workplace safety management.

Key Takeaways for Employers

Victoria’s engineered stone ban represents a significant change for many workplaces. Key points to remember:

• The ban on manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered stone is now in effect
• Obligations around existing engineered stone installations continue
• Workers modifying existing engineered stone remain at risk and require protection
• Exposure monitoring and health surveillance obligations continue for silica-exposed workers
• Professional occupational hygiene support helps ensure compliance and protects worker health

Conclusion

The engineered stone ban Victoria represents a landmark decision in occupational health protection, responding to a preventable workplace disease that has affected too many Australian workers. For employers, the ban requires thoughtful transition planning, ongoing attention to silica exposure risks, and engagement with qualified occupational health professionals.

By taking proactive steps to understand and meet compliance obligations, Victorian businesses can protect their workers, satisfy regulatory requirements, and contribute to a safer industry. If your workplace is affected by the engineered stone ban, engaging a professional occupational hygienist provides the expertise needed to navigate this transition safely and effectively.