The Victorian government says it has advised more than 1100 construction and stonemason industry operators on adapting to the recent crackdown on engineered stone.  

The state government introduced a ban, with minimal exemptions, on the manufacturing, processing and supply of engineered stone last July because of its links to dust diseases such as silicosis. A federal import ban took effect at the start of the year.  

WorkSafe Victoria has conducted 326 inspections of stonemasons and suppliers, and 110 improvement notices have been issued. It says five operators have been referred for investigation of suspected breaches.

In the construction industry, the regulator has provided guidance to 865 residential and commercial builders since the ban took effect.  

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Sam Jenkin says a licensing scheme for processing engineered stone, introduced in 2021, helped the industry adapt to the recent bans.  

“Our proactive approach to working with the stonemason industry has paid off, with the vast majority aware of their obligations and wanting to do everything to protect workers from deadly silica dust,” he said.

“WorkSafe will continue to take strong compliance and enforcement action, which could include possible prosecution and potentially significant fines, against any businesses looking to ignore the ban.”