Victoria lays first engineered stone charges after ban

After a company allegedly allowed or directed a worker to use machinery to cut holes in engineered stone benchtops at its Epping warehouse in July 2024, WorkSafe Victoria has laid its first charges under the new Victorian regulations banning work involving the manufacture, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs, which took effect on 1 July 2024.

It is alleged by WorkSafe Victoria that in July 2024, Fienza Pty Ltd supplied engineered stone benchtops on 21 occasions to traders in Bairnsdale, Belmont, Bendigo, Boronia, Epping, Hamilton, Hastings, Hoppers Crossing, Lakes Entrance, Mitcham, Narre Warren, Ravenhall, Richmond, Warragul and Warrnambool.

For directing or allowing a worker under their management or control to perform an engineered stone process, Fienza is facing a single charge under regulation 319Y(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. For directing or allowing a worker to supply engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs, the company also faces 21 charges under regulation 319Y(a) of the OHS Regulations.

The matter is listed for mention on 17 June 2025 at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court.

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