Upcoming Ban on Engineered Stone – What Clubs Need to Know

Be extremely cautious about choosing engineered stone, which is sometimes used in bathroom and kitchen surfaces, as an element. Often known for its “cheaper” cost, it should not influence clubs. 

Due to the significant health risk it poses, such as lung cancer, the Australian Government has banned the product (in most circumstances) from 1 July 2024. This includes the manufacturing, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone on benchtops, panels and slabs. 

Those clubs in NSW who entered engineered stone contracts before 31 December 2023 can install the product before the end of this year. 

If you have already installed engineered stone in your venue, it does not pose an ongoing safety risk. However, a qualified tradesperson should undertake any repairs, modifications, removals or disposals. 

Clubs may have seen that the NSW Budget, which was handed down on 18 June 2024, allocated $2.5 million for Safe Work NSW to implement and ensure compliance with the national ban.

To help with understanding the changes, SafeWork NSW provides useful information, including a suite of FAQS, here. 

Got any questions? SafeWork NSW is available to assist on 13 10 50.