SA bans uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone

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SA Bans Uncontrolled Cutting of Engineered Stone

South Australia has outlawed dangerous practices associated with uncontrolled processing of engineered stone products, with tough new regulations now in effect. This move mirrors similar action already taken in other jurisdictions, including WA's backing of a ban on engineered stone.

These new regulations require businesses working with engineered stone to put in place safety measures preventing exposure to silica dust. Employers must now demonstrate compliance with strict controls before any cutting, grinding or processing work proceeds.

Why South Australia Introduced This Ban

Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher said cases of silicosis in Australia are rising sharply. Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine dust particles, and health authorities have identified engineered stone processing as a significant contributor to this trend.

"These new regulations are an immediate step to protect the health and safety of workers, ahead of the national meeting of WHS Ministers later this year which will consider further regulatory action on engineered stone," he said.

The regulations took effect on 1 September 2023, positioning South Australia among the first states pursuing decisive engineered stone safety reforms. For further background on this legislative shift, read our earlier coverage of South Australia's planned ban on uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone.

What This Means for Businesses

Companies operating in stone fabrication, construction and manufacturing now face stricter obligations around health and safety management. Failure to meet compliance requirements could expose businesses to significant regulatory penalties.

Key considerations for affected businesses include:

• Implementing dust extraction and suppression systems to limit airborne exposure
• Reviewing safety management systems to ensure alignment with new requirements
• Understanding disposal obligations tied to engineered stone waste, similar to environmental controls applied to asbestos waste management
• Ensuring workers receive appropriate personal protective equipment and safety information

Much like asbestos management practices developed over decades, engineered stone safety now demands rigorous documentation and ongoing monitoring. Businesses familiar with asbestos compliance frameworks will recognise similar environmental and health protections underpinning these new rules.

Parallels With Asbestos Regulation

Australia's approach to engineered stone draws heavily on lessons learned from decades of asbestos regulation. Just as asbestos exposure led to widespread illness before controls tightened, uncontrolled engineered stone processing has produced a comparable public health crisis.

Environmental agencies and workplace safety regulators have long managed asbestos waste through strict handling and disposal protocols. Similar environmental safeguards are now being extended to engineered stone, reflecting a broader pattern in how governments across Australia handle hazardous material waste streams.

For businesses already managing asbestos compliance obligations, integrating engineered stone safety management into existing systems may prove more straightforward than starting from scratch.

Looking Ahead: National Regulatory Action

South Australia's regulations represent one piece of a broader national conversation. Workplace safety ministers are expected to consider further action on engineered stone at an upcoming national meeting, potentially leading toward a coordinated approach across all states and territories.

This follows growing momentum toward a nationwide response, as outlined in our report on how Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers.

Businesses handling stone cutting, grinding or fabrication should review current safety management practices now, rather than waiting for national requirements to solidify. Resources such as our Stone Cutting Water Saw Quarry SWMS and Stone Fabricating SWMS can support businesses working through compliance requirements, alongside our archived guidance on Stone Cutting Rock Saw Quarry practices.

Read the full story here.

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