Change to give certainty to industry, consumers amid phase-out
The Western Australian government will allow a "transitional arrangement" for the installation of engineered stone products ahead of the upcoming ban in July.
The arrangement will allow the installation of these products for contracts signed before January 1, as long as they get installed by December 31, 2024.
The government said the move aims to honour the contracts made by businesses and consumers who have already signed deals for engineered stone products before the ban was announced.
"These changes will protect workers and give certainty to both industry and consumers as we phase out engineered stone," said Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk in a statement.
The minister made the remarks as national work health and safety and workers' compensation ministers agreed this week to the draft legislation related to banning engineered stone products in Australia.
Engineered stone products, including benchtops, slaps, and panels, will be banned across all Australian states and territories starting July 1, 2024.
The prohibition, made under the work health and safety laws, covers the use, supply, and manufacture of such products, according to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The ban comes following clear evidence that silica dust, which is generated when working with engineered stone, increases the risk of silicosis among employees, according to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
In Western Australia, 50 of the 56 silicosis cases there since 2018 were reported in engineered stone workers.
"We know that silicosis can kill. Banning the use of engineered stone is the best way to reduce this terrible disease," McGurk said.
WA's transitional arrangement is in line with permitted period that states and territories may put in place as engineered stone products are phased out.
