Lexi Webster
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels, since July 1, 2024. The ban came into effect due to the unacceptable risk posed to workers' health and safety. Engineered stone contains crystalline silica, which, when processed, releases silica dust, increasing the threat of silicosis among workers. The Australian government's decision was supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers, marking a significant step towards safer and more sustainable construction materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of ban | 1 July 2024 |
| Date of import ban | 1 January 2025 |
| Reason for ban | Engineered stone contains crystalline silica, which produces silica dust, increasing the risk of silicosis among workers |
| Products banned | Benchtops, panels, and slabs |
| Products exempt | Concrete and cement, bricks and pavers, porcelain, ceramic wall and floor tiles, jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks |
| Transitional arrangements | NSW, SA, NT, and WA: 6-month transition period from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024 |
| QLD, VIC, ACT: No transitional period |
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What You'll Learn
High silica content
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels, effective from 1 July 2024. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as dust from engineered stone poses a unique hazard of silicosis, a respiratory disease.
Engineered stone, typically manufactured primarily from quartz rock, can contain high levels of crystalline silica, a mineral compound that is hazardous when inhaled as respirable dust. Specifically, engineered stone can contain more than 90% crystalline silica content, far exceeding the levels typically found in natural stones like granite, which range from 10 to 45%.
The high silica content in engineered stone has severe health implications. Workers exposed to the silica dust from engineered stone are at an increased risk of developing silicosis, experiencing faster disease progression, and facing higher mortality rates compared to workers exposed to silica dust from other sources. This heightened risk is due to the unique hazards posed by the dust generated during the processing of engineered stone.
To address this issue, Safe Work Australia and the United States' OSHA and NIOSH have implemented regulations and provided resources to highlight the key sections, definitions, and processes related to the ban. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to provide health monitoring for their workers if there is a significant risk of exposure to crystalline silica.
It is important to note that the ban does not apply to all forms of engineered stone products. For example, jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks made from engineered stone are exempt from the ban, as they do not require processing or modification.
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Health risks to workers
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, panels, and slabs, due to the health risks they pose to workers. This ban came into effect on July 1, 2024, across all Australian states and territories, with a transition period in some states.
Engineered stone, primarily made from quartz rock, can contain more than 90% crystalline silica content, significantly higher than natural stone products like granite. When workers cut, grind, or polish products containing crystalline silica, silica dust is released into the air. Inhaling this dust can lead to silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease. The vast majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years have been in engineered stone workers, who experience faster disease progression and higher mortality rates than other workers exposed to silica dust.
To protect workers' health, the Australian government implemented this nationwide ban on engineered stone, following a years-long campaign supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers. The ban aims to eliminate the unacceptable risk posed by engineered stone, as there is no evidence that lowering silica content makes it safer to work with.
Despite the ban, there are still some risks to workers during the removal, repair, or disposal of previously installed engineered stone products. Safe Work Australia recommends annual health monitoring for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Additionally, PCBUs carrying out permitted work with high-risk engineered stone have additional duties to ensure the safety of their workers.
Safer alternatives to engineered stone are available for use in construction projects, including natural stone options like marble, travertine, onyx, and granite. These alternatives offer the same visually stunning aesthetics without the health risks associated with crystalline silica.
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Lack of evidence for lower silica content alternatives
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, panels, and slabs, from 1 July 2024. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as there is compelling evidence that working with engineered stone produces silica dust, which can cause silicosis, a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease.
While some types of engineered stone have lower silica content than others, there is currently a lack of evidence to suggest that these alternatives are safer for workers. Expert analysis has shown that dust from engineered stone poses unique hazards, and there is no indication that lowering the silica content reduces the risk to workers. For instance, workers exposed to dust from engineered stone with lower silica content (e.g. 40% or 10%) have not shown reduced health risks compared to those exposed to higher silica content.
The decision to ban engineered stone in Australia was made by Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers, who unanimously agreed to implement the ban by 1 July 2024. This decision was based on recommendations from Safe Work Australia, which suggested prohibiting the use of all engineered stone, regardless of its crystalline silica content, to ensure the protection of workers' health.
It is important to note that the ban does not apply to all forms of engineered stone products. For example, finished engineered stone items that do not require processing or modification, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks, are exempt from the ban. Additionally, natural stone alternatives, such as marble, travertine, onyx, and granite, have inherently low silica levels and are therefore safe options for use in various applications, including kitchen benchtops.
As a result of the ban, companies like Caesarstone have begun offering crystalline silica-free surfaces for applications such as kitchen benchtops, as well as porcelain designs, contributing to the shift towards safer and more sustainable materials in the industry.
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Safer, more sustainable alternatives
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone due to its link to silicosis, a serious health risk for workers who cut and shape these materials. With this ban, safer and more sustainable alternatives are being sought and prioritized.
Natural stone is one of the best alternatives to engineered stone. It is the exact material that engineered stone attempted to mimic, and it offers a wide range of options that are just as cost-effective, durable, and aesthetically appealing. Natural stone is also a more environmentally friendly option, as it requires minimal processing and has a lower carbon footprint compared to the production of engineered stone, which involves resins, chemicals, and significant energy consumption.
Porcelain is another popular alternative to engineered stone. It offers a natural look, is heat and scratch-resistant, and contains zero silica. Large format porcelain slabs for benchtops are available from suppliers, and porcelain benchtops are fireproof and highly UV-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor areas.
Concrete has also gained popularity, especially with the industrial trend. Each concrete piece is unique and can be customized with sinks and vanities. It has a similar weight to natural stone and can withstand hot items.
Additionally, acrylic products are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to engineered stone. These surfaces are flexible, seamless, non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and antibacterial. They offer a wide range of unique colors and patterns, as well as matching basins for a minimalist look.
The ban on engineered stone has prompted a shift towards safer and more sustainable materials, with natural stone, porcelain, concrete, and acrylic products emerging as preferred options in the market.
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World-first decision
Australia has implemented a world-first decision to ban the use, supply, processing, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, panels, and slabs. This ban came into effect on July 1, 2024, with a transition period in some states until December 31, 2024. The Australian government's decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as dust from engineered stone poses unique hazards and has been linked to a heightened risk of silicosis, a serious lung disease.
Engineered stone, primarily made from quartz rock, can contain more than 90% crystalline silica content, which is significantly higher than natural stone products like granite. The vast majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years have been among engineered stone workers, who experience faster disease progression and higher mortality rates. In response to this health crisis, Safe Work Australia published a recommendation in October 2023 to ban the use of all engineered stone, and the Australian government unanimously agreed to implement this ban across all states and territories.
The ban on engineered stone products includes their manufacture, supply, processing, and installation. However, there are some exceptions. The ban does not apply to previously installed engineered stone products, which can still be removed, repaired, or modified for disposal. Additionally, it does not include finished engineered stone products that do not need further processing or modification, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks.
The Australian government's decision to ban engineered stone is a significant step towards safer and more sustainable practices in the construction industry. It highlights the country's commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of workers and ensuring that products meet not only Australian standards but also global expectations for safety.
As a result of this ban, companies like Caesarstone have emerged as leaders in innovation, offering crystalline silica-free surfaces for applications such as kitchen benchtops. Natural stone alternatives, such as marble, travertine, onyx, and granite, are also available and provide a safe and visually appealing option for consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia banned the use, supply, processing, and manufacture of engineered stone products due to the health risks associated with them. Engineered stone contains crystalline silica, exposure to which can cause silicosis among workers.
There are several safe and sustainable alternatives to engineered stone, such as natural stone, porcelain, and sintered stone. Natural stone features low levels of silica and is long-lasting and beautiful.
The ban covers the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs. It does not apply to previously installed engineered stone products for the purposes of removal, repair, minor modification, or disposal.
