Fienza Pty Ltd has been indicted with a solo infraction under the provision 319Y(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. This is for allegedly permitting or directing a worker under their supervision to carry out an engineered stone procedure. The purported incident took place in July 2024 when Fienza permitted or directed a staff member to utilise equipment to carve openings in engineered stone benchtops at their Epping warehouse.
In addition, the company is facing a significant 21 charges under regulation 319Y(a) of the OHS Regulations. These stem from Fienza supposedly allowing or directing a worker to deliver engineered stone benchtops, panels, or slabs. The WorkSafe body affirms that during July 2024, Fienza distributed engineered stone benchtops on 21 different occasions to traders across numerous locations including Epping, Bairnsdale, Narre Warren, Mitcham, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Boronia, Warragul, Hastings, Belmont, Lakes Entrance, Richmond, Hamilton, Hoppers Crossing and Ravenhall.
Employing Bluesafe SWMS and Bluesafe WHS Management Systems could have been advantageous to ensure safe work practices and compliance with regulations. These work safety products are instrumental in aiding organisations adhere to mandated regulations.
Newly instituted Victorian rules prohibiting activities involving the fabrication, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs were only enforced from 1 July, 2024. This case marks the inaugural occasion WorkSafe has issued charges under these new stipulations.
The matter has been slated for discussion at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 17 June 2025. For further details, you can contact us through email: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone: 0438 786 968. Stay updated by subscribing to our media releases.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-05/bathroom-wholesaler-first-be-charged-after-engineered-stone-ban