If your business cuts, grinds, or abrasively polishes engineered stone and is yet to apply for the new Engineered Stone Licence – you are running out of time to apply.
From 15 November 2022, penalties will apply to employers and self employed persons that continue to work with engineered stone without a licence.
The new Engineered Stone licensing scheme was announced in November 2021 and is another measure that has been put in place to protect people working with engineered stone from potentially deadly exposure to silica dust.
How to apply for an Engineered Stone Licence
Your application needs to be submitted through the WorkSafe website and must include:
A hazard control plan for working with engineered stone.
Details about the information, instruction and training provided to employees that covers the risks associated with working with engineered stone and the control measures in place in the workplace.
Information about the respiratory protection equipment used (Eg. P2 masks, air purifiers etc).
Operational information, including the number of employees who may be exposed.
Contact details of suppliers and manufacturers that you use, or plan to use, to source engineered stone.
Failure to comply with the licensing requirements
From 15 November 2022 onwards, employers and self employed people that fail to comply with the licensing requirements face infringements or court-imposed fines of:
6 to 500 penalty units (up to $90,870) for employers,
1.2 to 100 penalty units (up to $18,174) for individuals.