This Member Advice provides important information about recent WHS Ministers decisions related to:

• A national prohibition on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone containing silica, with effect from 1 July 2024; and
• Work being undertaken in relation to regulations for other work involving crystalline silica.

Members who wish to discuss the implications of the ban or any concerns with the definition of engineered stone should contact Ai Group as soon as possible.
Safe Work Australia has been asked to finalise this work by the end of February 2024 and will be holding discussions with Ai Group in early February.

• A reduction in the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) from 5mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3 effective from 18 January 2024.