WorkSafe’s dedicated Silica Field Team visited 52 industry sites in the past month – issuing 25 compliance notices and seizing more than 65 samples of suspected engineered stone, as well as products branded as porcelain and sintered stone, to test for silica and resin content.
Through this work the team has applied non-disturbance notices to nearly 1000 banned engineered stone benchtops to prevent their supply to Victorian businesses and consumers.
WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said importers, suppliers and manufacturers were put on notice prior to the ban and have had ample time to comply.
“Most businesses are doing the right thing and are moving away from engineered stone, but unfortunately we have found a small number have continued to put workers at risk,” Mr Jenkin said.
“WorkSafe will continue to closely monitor the stone supply and manufacturing industry so if you’re still working with engineered stone – expect a visit from our inspectors soon.”
The ban was introduced in response to rapidly increasing rates of silicosis and silica-related diseases in Australian workers, including a large number of workers exposed to crystalline silica dust while processing engineered stone products such as benchtops, panels or slabs.
Silicosis is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that has impacted more than 680 Victorian workers since 2018, including 20 who have sadly lost their lives.
WorkSafe Manager Earth Resources and Silica Ben Wright said his team had already referred two duty holders for investigation for suspected supply and processing of engineered stone products after 1 July.
“WorkSafe has acted quickly to intercept illegal products from entering Victoria, stopping further production and supply of stockpiled engineered stone,” he said.
“Inspectors have also issued improvement notices to duty holders who didn’t have the necessary hazard control statements or information about the silica content of alternative products such as porcelain or sintered stone.”
Occupational Health and Safety regulations banning engineered stone apply to all Victorian employers, regardless of any previous contractual obligations.
WorkSafe will not hesitate to take strong compliance and enforcement action, which could include possible prosecution and potentially significant fines, against duty holders flouting the ban.
An exception allows for the removal, repair or modification of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs installed before 1 July, as long as strict control measures are in place.
WorkSafe is working to ensure the construction industry is aware of their ongoing obligations for controlling crystalline silica dust, with construction inspectors providing guidance and advice to 204 residential and commercial builders in the past month.
Those with concerns about health and safety in a workplace, including risks associated with engineered stone, can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.
