Australian businesses need to prepare for upcoming changes to workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants.
From December 1, 2026, the current Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will transition to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) following a national review by Safe Work Australia.
The revised national limits are based on contemporary scientific and health evidence and are intended to provide greater protection for workers.
While many exposure limits will remain unchanged, some have been revised and new limits have been introduced for some airborne contaminants. Details here:
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has issued reminders to Queensland businesses and workers pointing out that organisations must eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable or, where elimination is not reasonably practicable, minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is encouraging business and workers to check www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/WEL2026 for updates.
Queensland will delay commencing lower limits for some individual airborne contaminants until December 1, 2029.