Australia

Administered by the Australian Government, Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, the Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-30 has been developed in response to the re-emergence of silicosis in Australia. The Plan aims to drive nationally coordinated action to address silica−related diseases in Australia.

Silica National Strategic Plan Companion

The Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-30 companion document is structured to align with the priorities in the Silica National Strategic Plan. It covers silica safety and silica-related diseases in Australia, contextual information on the problems, and measures already in place including laws and related strategies.

National Ban on Manufactured stone

Australia introduced a national ban on work involving the manufacture, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs in 2024.

For the purposes of Australian workplace health and safety laws, engineered stone is defined as an artificial product that:

  • contains at least 1% crystalline silica as a weight/weight concentration, and
  • is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents (such as water, resins, or pigments), and becomes hardened.

Engineered stone does not include:

  • concrete and cement products
  • bricks, pavers, and other similar blocks
  • ceramic wall and floor tiles
  • sintered stone (provided it does not contain resin)
  • porcelain products (provided they do not contain resin)
  • roof tiles
  • grout, mortar, render, and plasterboard.

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