Stone ban looms
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SA authorities are reminding operators that importing engineered stone will be banned next year.
From 1 January 2025, the Australian government will prohibit the importation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs, aiming to bolster workplace health and safety measures.
This follows a prior ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of these products implemented on 1 July 2024.
Exceptions to the import ban will be tightly regulated.
Permits may be granted by the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Minister or authorised agencies for specific purposes, such as research or material sampling, under exceptional circumstances.
Import exemptions tied to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Commonwealth) or corresponding state laws will also be considered.
South Australia has introduced transitional arrangements allowing contracts signed before 31 December 2023 to be fulfilled, provided installations are completed by the end of 2024.
For existing installations, repairs, removals, or minor modifications are permitted. These activities, however, must adhere to strict safety protocols, including mandatory notifications to SafeWork SA.
Engineered stone is known for its high crystalline silica content.
Prolonged exposure to silica dust, often released during cutting or grinding, is linked to severe health conditions, including silicosis, lung cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.
