Model WHS Laws

We created the model WHS laws in 2011.

See all

WHS laws in your jurisdiction

Contact your regulator

Data and Research

We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation.

See our data

See our latest
Key work health and safety statistics

explore our data

Resources and Publications

We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics.

See all

Read our Codes of Practice

read the codes

Resources available

Guidance around the engineered stone ban is available in our resources section.

View available resources

Implementation of the ban

Hover over each section to see more information about what will happen during different stages of the ban process.

From 1 July 2024

The ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is in effect.

The manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is banned in Australia.

Refer to Chapter 8A of the model WHS Regulations, which gives effect to the ban.

Details of the ban may be specific to your jurisdiction. Use the links below to find out how the ban is being implemented, including any transitional arrangements, in your state or territory.

The ban does not apply to the processing of previously installed engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs for the limited purposes of removal, repair or minor modification, or the processing of installed or uninstalled engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs for the purposes of disposal. 

Any processing involved in work with legacy engineered stone for the above purposes must be controlled and you must notify the relevant WHS regulator prior to carrying out this work with legacy engineered stone.

Frequently asked questions

From 1 September 2024

The stronger regulation of all crystalline silica substances is in effect.

These changes will apply to all materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica, including engineered stone.

In relation to engineered stone, the changes include:

  • a continuing requirement for any permitted processing of legacy engineered stone to be controlled and notified to the regulator
  • a requirement for PCBUs to assess if any permitted processing of legacy engineered stone is high risk, and
  • additional duties for PCBUs carrying out permitted work with engineered stone that is assessed as high risk.

Refer to Chapter 8A of the model WHS Regulations, which gives effect to the stronger regulation of crystalline silica substances.

Silica resources

What is happening in my jurisdiction?

Engineered stne ban

The ban is in place from 1 July 2024. Stay up to date with your state or territory regulations by contacting your WHS regulator

Ban homepageAbout the banFrequently asked questions Jurisdictional informationResourcesSubscribe for updates

Was the content on this page helpful?
Why?
Why not?
5 + 1 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Further Advice

SWA is not a regulator and cannot advise you about WHS issues in the workplace. If you need help please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority.