The uncontrolled processing of engineered stone products is set to be outlawed in South Australia. 

SafeWork SA says it is preparing to enforce new regulations that will bring SA in line with recent changes by SafeWork Australia to model work health and safety laws.

Under the regulations, it will be an offence for a person conducting a business or undertaking to direct or allow a worker to process engineered stone without specific control measures in place to minimise the risk of silica dust inhalation.

All workers involved in cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, or drilling engineered stone products must be provided with respiratory protective equipment, and use a dust control system such as a water suppressant or exhaust ventilation.

The regulations carry penalties of up to $6,000 for an individual or $30,000 for a body corporate, in addition to existing criminal offences under the WHS Act which provide for up to 5 years imprisonment and fines of up to $3 million for reckless conduct which exposes a person to the risk of death or serious injury or illness.

The new regulations will come into effect from 1 September 2023.

Commonwealth, State and Territory WHS Ministers are due to meet later this year to consider further national action on engineered stone, including a potential import ban and new regulations to manage high risk crystalline silica processes.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher said silicosis was known to be a rapidly growing problem across Australia.

“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.