The review examines whether the engineered stone ban is operating effectively, identifies any unintended consequences and assesses health risks for workers when processing benchtops, panels and slabs made from alternative materials that may or may not contain crystalline silica. There are 11 findings, 6 recommendations and suggestions for 3 future areas of research.

The findings cover: 

• the definition, marketing, identification and testing of engineered stone
• reinstallation of engineered stone
• waste management and disposal of engineered stone.

Recommendations

1. Develop a nationally recognised standard testing criteria that determines if a product is engineered stone.
2. Engage with consumer protection agencies to highlight the need for the marketing and labelling of engineered stone.
3. Upstream duties of manufacturers, importers and suppliers should be enforced to ensure accurate and meaningful labelling of constituents present when processing alternative products.  
4. Work Health and Safety laws should be amended to require the use of consistent labelling and/or safety data sheets.
5. Develop amendments to regulations to allow for the reinstallation of legacy engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs to address an unintended consequence of the prohibition.  
6. Develop guidance on the approach to disposing of engineered stone and silica.