BAN COMMENCES 1st July 2024
The CFMEU has successfully campaigned for a national ban on the manufacture, importation, processing and handling of engineered stone on and off worksites in Australia.
We have been clear from the beginning – this product is unsafe, it kills workers, and we will institute an on-site ban from 1 July 2024.Queensland, Victoria and the ACT fully adhere to the comprehensive ban of engineered stone from 1 July 2024.
NSW, SA, WA, Tasmania and the NT have announced a transition period, where contracts signed before 31 December 2023 allows the company who signed the contract to install engineered stone products until 31 December 2024. These states and territory are not taking worker safety seriously. We will not allow this product on site from 1 July 2024.
You have the legal power to refuse unsafe work. There is no safe level of exposure to silica dust from engineered stone. Understanding how the ban works and your rights at work is crucial to keeping your worksite safe.
What is Engineered Stone: Defined as any artificial product containing more than 1% crystalline silica.
Processing Engineered Stone: Processing engineered stone is completely banned in Australia from 1st July. This includes crushing, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing and drilling using power tools or other mechanical plant.
The Ban Covers: Use, supply, manufacture and installation of any engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs. Engineered stone is defines as any product containing 1% or more crystalline silica.The Ban Excludes: Porcelain products, sintered stone without resin and finished engineered stone products like kitchen sinks, garden ornaments and sculptures.
Handling Existing Engineered Stone: If your employer requires you to remove, dispose, repair or make a minor modification to existing engineered stone with existing engineered stone, they must notify the WHS regulator of the work. A national notification framework will apply from 1st July 2024.
Safe Work Australia and the State and Territory WHS regulators are currently developing the new regulations to apply under the ban on engineered stone and for high-risk silica processes. The CFMEU will provide further guidance once these regulations are finalised.
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