South Australia to ban uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone

South Australia to Ban Uncontrolled Cutting of Engineered Stone

South Australia plans to ban uncontrolled processing of engineered stone products, protecting workers from dust related diseases including silicosis. The new regulations will make it an offence for any employer to allow or direct workers to cut engineered stone without implementing dust control measures.

What the Regulations Mean for Employers

Businesses handling engineered stone products must adopt controlled work practices before the commencement date. These regulations commence on 1 September 2023 and get enforced by SafeWork SA, giving companies limited time to prepare compliant systems.

Uncontrolled cutting releases hazardous dust particles into work areas, posing severe health risks to employees on site. Proper waste handling and containment procedures become mandatory under these rules, reducing exposure during fabrication and disposal stages.

Why This Matters for Worker Health and Safety

Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher said silicosis represents a serious and growing problem across Australia. Lung disease linked to dust exposure has affected numerous tradespeople working with engineered stone products in recent years.

‘These new regulations are an immediate step to protect 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,’ Maher said.

South Australia's approach reflects growing national concern regarding workplace exposure to hazardous materials. Similar discussions are underway federally, with Australia planning to ban engineered stone nationwide next year, alongside broader recognition from Safe Work Australia welcoming engineered stone ban proposals.

Key Points for Safety Professionals

• Uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone becomes an offence from 1 September 2023
• SafeWork SA will enforce compliance and investigate breaches
• Employers must implement dust suppression and waste management controls
• Safety of workers remains central to South Australia's regulatory intent

Preparing Safe Work Practices

Companies should review current fabrication procedures against updated safety expectations well before enforcement begins. Documented, site-specific work methods help demonstrate compliance and support consistent safety outcomes across teams.

Resources such as our Stone Cutting Rock Saw Quarry guidance, Stone Cutting Water Saw Quarry SWMS, and Stone Fabricating SWMS can support businesses building compliant, safer work processes ahead of the deadline.

For further information regarding these regulations, visit the SafeWork SA website.