Engineered stone ban
From 1 July 2024, no engineered stone can be installed, manufactured, supplied or processed in Queensland.
The engineered stone ban follows a national agreement—announced by the Australian Government on 13 December 2023—to protect workers by stopping the use of these products.
Engineered stone is a hardened artificial mix of natural stone and crystalline silica. It is often used in kitchen benchtops, slabs and panels.
When engineered stone is processed—such as by cutting or grinding—it releases small particles of dust that, when inhaled, can cause silicosis. Silicosis is a disease resulting in permanent disability and death—it has no known cure except a lung transplant.
Advice for consumers
You won't be impacted if your engineered stone benchtop, panel or slab will be installed before 1 July 2024.
Consumers affected by the ban
If your engineered stone product is unlikely to be installed before 1 July 2024, you'll need to discuss alternative products with your builder or supplier as soon as possible.
Whether you'll have to pay more will depend on the terms and conditions of your contract. If you choose a more expensive product you may have to pay more, but if you choose a cheaper product you may get a partial refund.
If you want to cancel a contract for an engineered stone product that can be supplied and installed before the ban, we recommend you discuss your options and any cost impacts with the supplier and seek legal advice if necessary.
Safety of existing products
Engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs already existing in homes and workplaces—legacy engineered stone—don't pose a safety risk provided they're undisturbed.
Safe Work Australia is developing a national framework to ensure anyone working with legacy engineered stone products installed prior to the ban can do so safely. Subscribe for updates from Safe Work Australia to be informed about this framework.
In the meantime, it is recommended only a qualified tradesperson works with legacy engineered stone products, using control measures to minimise dust and wearing respiratory protection.
More information
For more information:
- read the Queensland Government's media release
- visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website
- visit the Safe Work Australia website.