WorkSafe Victoria has been cracking down on engineered stone following a recent ban.

In the month since the Victorian government's ban on engineered stone took effect, the agency's Silica Field Team has conducted surprise inspections at 52 industry sites, detecting significant non-compliance with the new regulations.

WorkSafe officers issued 25 compliance notices and seized over 65 samples of engineered stone, porcelain, and sintered stone products to test for illegal silica and resin content. 

Additionally, non-disturbance notices were placed on nearly 1,000 banned benchtops, preventing their distribution to businesses and consumers.

“Most businesses are doing the right thing and are moving away from engineered stone, but unfortunately we have found a small number have continued to put workers at risk,” said WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin.

He warned that the agency would continue to closely monitor the industry and conduct further inspections.

The ban aims to address the rising incidence of silicosis among Australian workers. 

This debilitating and potentially fatal disease, caused by exposure to crystalline silica dust, has affected more than 680 Victorian workers since 2018, with 20 fatalities. 

Workers handling engineered stone products, such as benchtops, panels, and slabs, are particularly at risk.

In addition to the compliance notices, WorkSafe has referred two duty holders for investigation for the suspected supply and processing of engineered stone products after the ban's commencement. 

“WorkSafe has acted quickly to intercept illegal products from entering Victoria, stopping further production and supply of stockpiled engineered stone,” said WorkSafe Manager of Earth Resources and Silica, Ben Wright.

Inspectors have also issued improvement notices to businesses that lacked the required hazard control statements or information about the silica content of alternative materials. 

The regulations apply universally to all Victorian employers, overriding any previous contractual obligations. However, there is an exception for the removal, repair, or modification of engineered stone installed before the ban, provided strict control measures are in place.

WorkSafe has been educating the construction industry about ongoing obligations to control silica dust. In the past month, construction inspectors have provided guidance and advice to 204 residential and commercial builders.