Revisit this page for updates and factsheets about the ban and what it means for South Australians.
A national ban on the use of new engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will come into effect on 1 July 2024.
Banning the use of engineered stone will protect Australian workers from the potentially fatal effects of respirable crystalline silica dust.
Transitional arrangements for South Australia
Transitional arrangements exist in South Australia, so contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, providing they are completed by 31 December 2024.
Engineered stone can be safely used once installed, so long as it remains undisturbed and no work is carried out to remove, repair or modify it as this could generate silica dust.
There is no requirement to remove engineered stone that is already installed.
Porcelain products are excluded from the ban along with finished engineered stone products such as jewellery, garden ornaments sculptures and kitchen sinks which do not require processing or modification.
Work Health and Safety Regulations
Work Health and Safety Regulations are being amended to give effect to the ban on engineered stone, along with a framework to allow for minor modifications, repair and removal of engineered stone that is already installed. These amendments will come into effect from 1 July 2024..
SafeWork SA will provide more details of the regulatory framework and what it means to businesses and householders as they become available.
The decision to ban the use of engineered stone was based on a recommendation by Safe Work Australia following expert advice about the rise of silicosis in engineered stone workers.
Find out more about the background to the ban here.
Before the ban comes into effect
Until the ban of engineered stone comes into effect, workers and businesses can continue to work with engineered stone in a controlled way.
Under the model WHS Regulations, people cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing or drilling engineered stone using power tools or other mechanical plant, must use one of the following:
- a water suppression (wet cutting) system
- an on-tool dust extraction system, or
- local exhaust ventilation system.
More details
- SafeWork Australia website
- Communique – Work Health and Safety Ministers’ Meeting, 10 May 2024
- Communique – Work Health and Safety Ministers’ Meeting, 22 March 2024
- Respirable crystalline silica information
Frequently asked questions
I work with engineered stone, or previously did…
Information for consumers and the general public
Information for impacted businesses
Who do I ask?
| Enquiry | Responsible party | Contact details |
| Complying with new requirements | SafeWork SA | SafeWork SA website
Ph: 1300 365 255 |
| Contractual requirements between businesses | Small Business Commissioner SA | Small Business Commissioner SA
Ph: 1800 072 722 |
| Consumer rights
Consumer advice due to changes from the ban |
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Consumer and Business Services |
ACCC website – Consumer guarantees
Ph: 131 882 |
| Complain about a retailer | Consumer and Business Services | CBS consumer complaints form
Ph: 131 882 |
| Modifying engineered stone already installed | SafeWork SA | SafeWork SA website
Ph: 1300 365 255 |
| Disposal requirements | Environment Protection Authority | Environment Protection Authority (SA)
Ph: (08) 8204 2004 |
Visit the Safe Work Australia website for more FAQs and the latest u