Crawford & Company has urged insurers to be aware of nuances in new engineered stone regulations, to avoid unnecessary costs.

The claims manager’s CRD Building Consultants & Engineers business warns claim costs could “easily skyrocket” if insurers are unaware the federal government prohibition is not a blanket ban.

CRD engineering technical lead Michael Sander says the ban does not apply to minor repairs or modifications to engineered stone products, and claims involving such items should be “heavily scrutinised” to avoid paying for expensive natural materials.

“Things such as crack repairs to engineered stone surfaces with liquid resin, and then repolishing, are acceptable,” Mr Sander said. 

“Also, drilling a hole in a benchtop to install a new power point or sink is also OK under the new laws. 

“But, before carrying out these kinds of repairs or modifications, the legislation does stipulate that the relevant state-based workplace health and safety body must be informed and approval sought.” 

Mr Sander says the rules prohibit using engineered stone products that include more than 1% crystalline silica, making “like-for-like” replacements impossible. Alternative non-silica products are typically cheaper than natural stones such as marble, granite or quartzite, and should be used to replace engineered stone.

“It is possible to replace an engineered stone benchtop with an engineered stone benchtop. Builders should be looking at the closest alternative silica-free stone-like products, because there are many available on the market such as Evostone, Meganite, Corian and Dekton.”