South Australia’s prohibition on engineered stone starts on July 1st

South Australia's prohibition on engineered stone starts on July 1st, aligning the state with other jurisdictions nationwide to shield workers from deadly lung illnesses linked to uncontrolled cutting of engineered stone products.

What the Ban Means for South Australia

SafeWork SA has rolled out a statewide initiative aimed at increasing awareness about the ban and its impact on businesses, workers, consumers, and the public. Once the ban takes effect, engineered stone slabs will no longer be permitted for use, fabrication, or installation across South Australia.

This move mirrors similar action taken elsewhere in Australia to protect workers from silicosis and other occupational health risks tied to engineered stone slabs.

SafeWork SA's Awareness Campaign

The campaign will feature press releases, radio commercials, informational materials, online seminars, and social media engagement. These efforts aim to ensure businesses fully grasp what compliance requires before the deadline arrives.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell says the state's workplace health and safety regulator is offering guidance on how to comply with the prohibition to assist workers, companies, customers, and the general public.

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

"SafeWork SA will actively be monitoring compliance with the new laws through auditing and inspections," Mr Farrell said.

"Businesses need to ensure they understand and abide by the new laws to keep their workers safe and are encouraged to seek assistance from SafeWork SA if required."

Health and Safety Implications for Businesses

Employers across construction and manufacturing sectors carry direct responsibility for protecting worker health under this transition. Safety professionals should review current practices now, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

Key steps businesses should take include:

• Auditing current stockpiles of engineered stone products before the ban commences
• Reviewing safe work method statements for tasks involving stone materials, including stone fabricating procedures
• Managing waste generated from remaining stock in line with proper disposal requirements
• Seeking advice directly from SafeWork SA where uncertainty exists

Waste generated during this transition period requires careful handling, since dust and debris from engineered stone pose ongoing safety hazards even after the prohibition begins. Businesses should factor waste management into their compliance planning well ahead of July.

Where to Get Advice

Firms unsure how the new rules affect their operations can seek advice from SafeWork SA directly. This guidance covers everything from product disposal to updated safety protocols for handling remaining stock safely.

Broader industry context shows this isn't an isolated measure — several jurisdictions across Australia planned to ban engineered stone well before South Australia's own announcement, reflecting a coordinated national push toward safer workplace health outcomes.

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