NEW South Wales will prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone from 1 July 2024.

NSW joined most other states and territories in agreeing to ban the dangerous product by the middle of next year.

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Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said, “I congratulate all workers, unions, medical experts and businesses that I stood side by side as we campaigned for this day.

“This is about saving lives, the evidence is in, and the Minns Government has been a strong advocate for this.

“My message to business and consumers is this: it’s time for you to stop buying this stuff.

“Don’t enter into any further contracts.”

Safe Work Australia recommended the prohibition under the model WHS laws to protect thousands of workers from respirable crystalline silica (silica dust), which is generated in high levels when workers cut, shape, or polish engineered stone.

Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland said, “Today, WHS ministers from the Commonwealth, states and territories agreed to Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to prohibit the use of engineered stone to protect the health and safety of workers.

“Workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica has led to an unacceptable increase in the number of cases of silicosis and other silica-related diseases.

“Expert analysis shows that silica dust from engineered stone poses unique hazards and there is no evidence that low silica engineered stone is safe to work with.

“The vast majority of silicosis cases identified in recent years are in engineered stone workers.

“Many of these cases are in younger workers who are experiencing faster disease progression and higher mortality.

“The cost to industry, while real and relevant, cannot outweigh the significant costs to workers, their families and the broader Australian community that result from exposure to respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone.

“Continued work with engineered stone poses an unacceptable risk to workers, which is why we recommended a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone.”

Until the prohibition comes into effect, workers and businesses can continue to work with engineered stone in a controlled way, as detailed in the model WHS Regulations.