The Allan Labor Government is banning the use of engineered stone from July this year, protecting Victorian workers from deadly silicosis.

The science is clear: working with engineered stone can be a death sentence. That is why the Labor Government is taking nation leading action to ban the product – so no more young Victorian families are torn apart for the sake of a kitchen benchtop.

From 1 July, work involving the manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs will be banned.

An exception to the ban will apply if the work involves the removal, repair or modification of engineered stone products installed before 1 July. This work will be subject to existing control requirements for engineered stone and additional high-risk crystalline silica work regulations.

Victoria has led the way to prevent disease and support injured workers over the last five years, establishing Australia’s only dedicated public hospital occupational respiratory clinic through a partnership between WorkSafe and The Alfred.

WorkSafe inspectors will be ensuring duty holders are adhering to the new regulations and any attempt to intentionally avoid the ban will be subject to strong enforcement action.

More information can be found at worksafe.vic.gov.au/crystalline-silica.