New laws to protect those working with engineered stone products in South Australia were introduced this month.
Rising concern over the prevalence of dust-related diseases, particularly silicosis, has prompted South Australia to outlaw the uncontrolled processing of engineered stone products.
From 1 September 2023, employers or contractors must ensure workers who cut, grind, trim, sand or drill engineered stone must use respiratory protective equipment and a dust control system such as a water suppressant or exhaust ventilation.
These measures are designed to reduce the risk of silica dust inhalation.
Penalties
To ensure compliance, the regulations carry penalties of up to:
- $6,000 for individuals
- $30,000 for corporate entities
These penalties are in addition to existing criminal offenses under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, which include:
- A prison term of up to 5 years
- Fines of up to $3 million for reckless conduct that exposes individuals to the risk of death, serious injury, or illness.
To further combat illnesses associated with processing engineered stone, government leaders will later this year discuss further action. This may include banning the imports of engineered stone and further regulations to manage high-risk crystalline silica processes.
In this SafeWork SA article, the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher stressed the urgency of addressing Australia’s rapidly growing silicosis issue.
He says the new regulations take an immediate step towards safeguarding the health and safety of workers. What’s more, he anticipates more comprehensive regulatory actions to be discussed at the upcoming national meeting of WHS Ministers.
We are glad that the safety of workers remains a top priority. South Australia has taken the lead in addressing this pressing issue with new laws to protect those working with engineered stone products.
The dangers of uncontrolled processing of engineered stone
Earlier this year, we wrote about the dangers of inhaling tiny particles of crystalline silica. Typically, this occurs when cutting, grinding, drilling, oiling or polishing engineered stone.
When crystalline silica dust enters a worker’s airways, it can cause irreversible lung scarring, difficulty in breathing, permanent disability, lung cancer, kidney damage and auto immune disease.
As Jobfit’s National Medical Director Dr Ilse-Marie Stockhoff wrote, the severity of crystalline silica-related conditions can vary from person to person and will depend on the level of exposure.
Fortunately, in many cases, being exposed to silica dust and developing adverse health effects is entirely preventable.
Enshrining these control measures into Australia’s work health and safety laws is crucial to protect workers from further harm.
Please visit SafeWork SA for more information about these new laws.
For information about our crystalline silica health surveillance assessments, please contact us.
