The engineered stone prohibition in Australia has gone through significant regulatory updates since the original ban took effect on 1 July 2024. Safe Work Australia’s 2025 review examined how the engineered stone ban was operating, including unintended consequences and risks from alternative benchtop, panel and slab materials. In 2026, Safe Work Australia published an implementation plan to support outcomes from that review. If you work in stone fabrication, installation, or related trades, these changes affect your day-to-day obligations right now.
Key Takeaways
- The engineered stone prohibition applies to engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs that meet the model WHS definition, including artificial products containing at least 1% crystalline silica by weight.
- Legacy engineered stone benchtops installed before 1 July 2024 remain subject to strict silica dust exposure controls during removal, repair, or disposal.
- The national exemption framework has been updated with tighter documentation and notification requirements for any approved exemption work.
- Employers must now maintain updated compliance records, including risk assessments, PPE logs, and worker health monitoring documentation.
- Stone industry jobs in Australia are shifting toward compliance-focused roles, creating new demand for trained and certified tradespeople.
Key Changes from Safe Work Australia’s Review of the Engineered Stone Prohibition
The 2026 review of the engineered stone prohibition delivered the most detailed regulatory guidance since the original WHS ministers’ engineered stone decision in December 2023. It addressed gaps that employers and fabricators had been navigating without clear answers. The review did not reverse the ban but added precision to how it operates across different work scenarios.
Here is a summary of what materially changed after the review:
- Scope reminder: The prohibition applies to engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs that meet the model WHS definition; businesses should check whether products are covered or excluded under the definition.
- Legacy installation guidance: Legacy engineered stone may be processed only for limited permitted purposes, including removal, repair, minor modification or disposal, provided the PCBU gives the required notification where applicable and ensures processing is controlled.
- Exemption framework updates: The national exemption framework engineered stone rules now require written applications, documented risk controls, and post-work reporting for any approved exemption activity.
- Notification duties expanded: PCBUs generally must notify the relevant WHS regulator before permitted work involving processing of legacy engineered stone; however, the notification approach can vary by jurisdiction, and Safe Work Australia notes that Victoria does not require regulator notification for this work.
- Tighter silica dust exposure controls: The review reinforced the requirement for wet cutting, on-tool extraction, and respiratory protective equipment on all legacy stone work sites.
- Import prohibition confirmed: From 1 January 2025, engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs became prohibited imports under Customs Regulation 5M. The 2026 review confirmed no change to this rule.
- Penalty frameworks referenced: The review flagged that state and territory WHS regulators are increasing audit activity, and non-compliance with silica dust controls can result in significant fines or prosecution.
This article breaks down each of these changes and explains what they mean for stone fabricators, installers, and employers managing compliance obligations.
Scope of the Engineered Stone Prohibition Ban
The Safe Work Australia engineered stone ban originally targeted benchtops, panels, and slabs used in kitchens and bathrooms. The 2026 review extended clarity to composite stone products used in commercial fit-outs and architectural applications. A product must be in benchtop, panel or slab form and meet the engineered stone definition to be covered by the prohibition; several products are excluded, including concrete and cement products, bricks, ceramic tiles, resin-free sintered stone, resin-free porcelain, roof tiles, grout, mortar, render and plasterboard.
You might be wondering whether natural stone products are affected. They are not covered under the engineered stone prohibition, but they remain subject to general respirable crystalline silica ban Australia controls under WHS regulations from 1 September 2024.
| Product Type | Covered by Prohibition? | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered stone benchtops (new) | Yes | Banned from manufacture, supply, and installation |
| Composite stone panels (commercial) | Yes (clarified in 2026) | Covered if silica content is 1% or more |
| Legacy engineered stone benchtops | Partial — removal only | Strict dust controls and notification required |
| Natural stone (granite, marble) | No | Subject to general silica dust controls only |
| Imported engineered stone | Yes | Prohibited import from 1 January 2025 |
Stone businesses need to audit their current product lines against these categories. Any product that was previously in a grey area should now be assessed against the 1% silica threshold.
Working with Legacy Engineered Stone Under the Engineered Stone Prohibition
Legacy engineered stone benchtops installed before 1 July 2024 can stay in homes and commercial spaces. Removing, repairing, or disposing of them is still permitted, but the rules are strict. The 2026 review tightened the guidance on what counts as a compliant work process.
Here is what employers and tradespeople must do when working with legacy engineered stone:
1. Conduct a Pre-Work Risk Assessment
Before any legacy stone work begins, a documented risk assessment is required. This must identify silica dust exposure risks and the controls in place to manage them.
2. Notify Your WHS Regulator
Notification to the relevant state or territory WHS regulator is now required before starting any legacy removal job. This applies to both residential and commercial sites, regardless of project size.
3. Apply Wet Cutting Methods
Processing legacy engineered stone must be controlled. Control options include isolation, a filtered enclosed cabin, effective wet dust suppression, effective on-tool extraction, or effective local exhaust ventilation, with RPE required where workers remain at risk.
4. Use On-Tool Extraction
On-tool extraction is one recognised control method, but it is not the only option; PCBUs must ensure processing is controlled using suitable isolation, engineering controls and RPE where required.
5. Provide Appropriate PPE
Workers who remain at risk of RCS exposure after isolation or engineering controls must be provided with appropriate RPE and must wear it correctly while the work is carried out. Employers are responsible for supplying, fitting, and maintaining this equipment.
6. Manage Waste Correctly
Disposal of legacy engineered stone must be controlled and must comply with applicable jurisdictional waste management requirements, such as quantity limits, dust limits or wetting requirements before tipping.
7. Record Health Monitoring
PCBUs must determine whether health monitoring is required and must provide it where workers are carrying out specified work with crystalline silica and there is a significant risk to their health. The 2026 review reinforced that employers must maintain these records and make them available to regulators on request.
Notification and Exemption Requirements Under the National Exemption Framework Engineered Stone
The national exemption framework engineered stone process was updated after the 2026 review to close gaps in how exemptions were being applied. Previously, some exemption applications lacked detail on risk controls. The updated framework now requires a more structured submission process.
To apply for an exemption, businesses must now provide:
- A written application submitted to the relevant WHS authority before work begins
- A detailed risk control plan outlining how silica dust exposure will be managed
- Evidence of worker training and certification relevant to silica hazards
- Exemption applications must follow the WHS regulator’s required form and process, including consultation with Safe Work Australia social partners and any submissions required under the National Exemption Framework.
- Documentation that the work falls within an approved exemption category, such as genuine research or analysis
Exemptions are not available for standard fabrication or installation work. They are tightly limited to activities like scientific testing or forensic analysis of existing stone materials.
Failing to follow the exemption process can result in enforcement action. State and territory WHS regulators have flagged increased audit activity in the stone industry, and inspectors are checking both documentation and on-site practices.
Compliance Priorities for Stone Shops Under the Safe Work Australia Engineered Stone Ban
Stone fabrication businesses face a different operational reality now compared to two years ago. The 2025 review engineered stone prohibition process collected submissions that pointed to gaps in employer understanding of their obligations. The 2026 review responded to those gaps with clearer guidance.
Here are the compliance priorities stone shops should act on right now:
- Update your product inventory: Remove any engineered stone products from your supply chain that contain 1% or more respirable crystalline silica.
- Review your legacy work procedures: Check that your site procedures for legacy stone removal meet the current notification and dust control requirements.
- Train your team: All workers handling legacy stone must be trained in silica dust hazards, PPE use, and emergency procedures.
- Audit your PPE supply: Confirm that P2 respirators and on-tool extraction equipment are available, maintained, and fit-tested for every worker.
- Check your record-keeping: Risk assessments, health monitoring records, and notification confirmations must be filed and accessible.
- Engage a WHS officer: If your business does not have a dedicated WHS officer, now is the time to bring one on. Regulators are auditing stone businesses more frequently.
Non-compliance is not just a legal risk. It puts workers at risk of silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease. Engineered stone can contain more than 90% crystalline silica, and PCBUs must keep RCS exposure as low as reasonably practicable and ensure workers are not exposed above the 8-hour TWA workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m³.
Stone Industry Jobs in Australia: What the Engineered Stone Prohibition Means for Trade Careers
The engineered stone prohibition has reshaped the types of roles available in the stone industry. Employers now need tradespeople who understand compliance obligations, not just fabrication skills. This shift is creating demand for experienced stonemasons and installers who can work safely within the current regulatory framework.
Dayjob Recruitment connects skilled stone tradespeople with employers across Australia who are actively hiring for compliance-ready roles. If you are looking for stone industry jobs in Australia, the following positions are currently open:
Stonemason Installer — Smithfield, Sydney
This role is based in Smithfield, New South Wales, and suits experienced stonemasons familiar with safe installation practices and current WHS obligations. View the Stonemason Installer role in Smithfield, Sydney and apply directly through Dayjob Recruitment.
Stone Benchtop Installer — Ingleburn, Sydney
Based in Ingleburn, this position focuses on benchtop installation work and requires a strong understanding of silica dust exposure controls and safe work procedures. View the Stone Benchtop Installer role in Ingleburn, Sydney and take the next step in your trade career.
Stonemason Installer — Osborne Park, Perth
This Perth-based role in Osborne Park is open to stonemasons with hands-on installation experience and knowledge of Western Australia’s current WHS requirements. View the Stonemason Installer role in Osborne Park, Perth and connect with a top-tier employer in WA.
Stonemason Installer / Fabricator — South Australia
This South Australia position combines fabrication and installation responsibilities, making it ideal for tradespeople with broad experience across both disciplines. View the Stonemason Installer / Fabricator role in South Australia and find out if this opportunity matches your skills.
Browse all current trade jobs in Australia on the Dayjob Recruitment job board, updated daily with new openings across construction, manufacturing, and stone industry roles.
Are you a stone industry professsional looking for vacancies?
Immediate Compliance Checklist for Stone Employers
Use this checklist to check your current compliance position against the updated engineered stone prohibition rules:
| Compliance Action | Status |
|---|---|
| Product inventory audited against 1% silica threshold | To do / Done |
| Legacy removal procedures updated with current controls | To do / Done |
| WHS regulator notified before legacy removal work | To do / Done |
| Workers trained in silica dust hazards and PPE use | To do / Done |
| P2 respirators and on-tool extraction available on site | To do / Done |
| Health monitoring records maintained and filed | To do / Done |
| WHS officer engaged or appointed | To do / Done |
What Stone Businesses Should Do Next
The 2026 review of the engineered stone prohibition made the rules clearer, but it also raised the bar for compliance. Stone fabricators and installers now operate in a tightly regulated environment where documentation and training are as important as technical skill. If your business is still catching up, the time to act is now — not when an inspector arrives.
Dayjob Recruitment can help stone businesses find compliance-ready tradespeople who understand the current WHS environment. Employers can submit a vacancy directly, and job seekers can explore visa sponsorship options for eligible roles in the stone industry. Visit our jobs board to see what is available today.
Do you work in the stone industry and are open to new opportunities? We run a WhatsApp Channel where we share specifically Stone Industry job openings across Australia — including roles for CNC operators, fabricators, and installers.
FAQs
What Is the Engineered Stone Ban and When Does It Start?
The engineered stone ban is a prohibition on the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone products above regulated crystalline silica thresholds, introduced to prevent silica-related disease in workers. In Australia, the ban commenced nationally on 1 July 2024, with limited transitional arrangements for certain pre-existing contracts and stock depending on jurisdictional rules.
Why Is Engineered Stone Being Banned or Prohibited?
Engineered stone is being banned because cutting, grinding, and polishing it can release high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which can cause severe, irreversible lung disease (including silicosis) and increase cancer risk. The prohibition is designed to reduce worker exposure where controls have not proven sufficient across the industry.
Which Countries or States Have Prohibited Engineered Stone?
Australia has implemented a national prohibition through coordinated work health and safety arrangements, with each state and territory enforcing it under their WHS regulator. Internationally, approaches vary—some countries restrict high-silica products or specific activities rather than adopting a full ban—so requirements depend on local law and enforcement.
Is Quartz or Engineered Stone Still Legal to Buy and Install?
In Australia, engineered stone (often marketed as “quartz”) is generally not legal to supply or install after 1 July 2024, except where a narrow transitional exemption applies (for example, certain pre-ban contracts or stock, subject to strict conditions). If you’re hiring for fabrication, install, or site roles, Dayjob Recruitment can help you align staffing and compliance requirements with the latest regulator guidance.
What Materials Can Be Used Instead of Engineered Stone After the Ban?
Common alternatives include natural stone (where suitable), porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel, solid surface materials, laminate, timber, and other low-silica composite products that meet safety and performance needs. Employers shifting materials often need updated skills on the shop floor and on-site—our trades-focused recruiters regularly place experienced stonemasons, CNC operators, installers, and WHS staff to support compliant transitions.
