The prohibition on the use, supply and manufacture of all engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will commence from 1 July 2024.

Transitional arrangements will apply within South Australia for eligible contracts entered into on or before 31 December 2023.

For eligible contracts work involving the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will be exempt from the prohibition provided the work is carried out under, or for the purposes of, a contract entered into on or before 31 December 2023.

New contracts entered into in on or after 1 January 2024 for work involving the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs must be completed on or before 1 July 2024.

If incomplete by then, consumers will need to look at alternative products.

The communiqué released by WHS Ministers encourages businesses and consumers to avoid entering into contracts for the supply of engineered stone after 1 January 2024.  This is to avoid the risk that these contracts will not be fulfilled before 1 July 2024.

You should consider what is best for your business and your customer, noting that there will be a level of risk should the order not be completed prior to the prohibition coming into effect.

From 1 July 2024, repairs, minor modification, removal and disposal of engineered stone installed prior to the prohibition, will not be subject to the prohibition. Stronger laws will exist however for these excluded activities to ensure they are undertaken safely. It is yet to be determined if a licence scheme to work with existing engineered stone installations will be introduced into South Australia.

If you are unable to agree with your stone supplier on how to approach matters concerning stock ordered, payments or any other matter, the Small Business Commissioner SA (SBC) is available to help.

SBC’s Dispute and Regulation Advisors are available to provide support with initial advice on what the prohibition may mean for your business. If you find yourself requiring assistance with a dispute, the team is available to assist you in reaching a resolution, and if necessary, facilitating a mediation with one of SBC’s professional mediators.

We know that the ban has the potential to impact small businesses significantly.

SBC is continuing to advocate for small businesses to ensure that measures are considered to assist businesses through the impacts of the prohibition.

As further details become available about the practical implications of the prohibition, SBC welcomes feedback from small and medium sized businesses. In particular, SBC would welcome feedback on initiatives that will facilitate a smoother transition to the use of alternate products and allow businesses to continue operating successfully.

For advice on complying with new requirements, contact SafeWork SA or via phone on 1300 365 255.