Engineered Stone Prohibition

1 July 2024

From today, 1 July, the ban on engineered stone comes into effect in the ACT.

Businesses must not carry out work that involves the manufacture, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs.

The prohibition of engineered stone aims to better protect workers from the risk of developing serious respiratory diseases such as silicosis, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer.

Removal, repairs, minor modification and disposal of existing engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will not be subject to the ban. However, from 1 November 2024, PCBUs must provide a written notice to WorkSafe ACT if they intend to carry out permitted work with legacy engineered stone.

The ACT is not accepting applications for exemptions at this time; however, the ACT will recognise any exemptions that are granted by other WHS regulators.

More Information:

For more information on the engineered stone prohibition, exemptions and notification requirements see the:

• Work Safety Group   - Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (act.gov.au) - The ACT   Implementation Factsheet (for engineered stone) is located within 'ACT   actions to address silica dust exposure' drop down box.
• Engineered stone prohibition - Guidance for PCBUs

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