Bathroom wholesaler first to be charged after engineered stone ban

Fienza Pty Ltd faces a single charge under regulation 319Y(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for directing or allowing a worker under their management or control to perform an engineered stone process.

It is alleged that in July 2024, the company allowed or directed a worker to use machinery to cut holes in engineered stone benchtops at its Epping warehouse.

The company also faces 21 charges under regulation 319Y(a) of the OHS Regulations for directing or allowing a worker to supply engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs.

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

New Victorian regulations banning work involving the manufacture, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs took effect on 1 July 2024.

This is the first time WorkSafe has issued charges under the new regulations.

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