New Stakeholder Resources Released for Airborne Contaminant WEL Changes

Safe Work Australia has issued a comprehensive stakeholder pack to assist organisations in managing the transition to the updated workplace exposure limits (WELs) for airborne contaminants.

In April 2024, work health and safety (WHS) ministers endorsed a revised list of WELs, with the new limits scheduled to take effect from 1 December 2026. These changes will require many businesses to review their existing WHS management systems, monitoring practices and control measures to ensure ongoing compliance and risk reduction.

The stakeholder pack is designed for WHS regulators, occupational hygienists, WHS practitioners, unions, industry bodies and PCBUs/employers. It contains clear key messages and practical, ready-to-use communication materials to help raise awareness of the new limits and support workplaces to plan and implement necessary changes ahead of the commencement date.

Employers are encouraged to use this transition period to review and update their WHS documentation, including policies, procedures and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), to reflect the revised exposure limits and any new control strategies. Access to structured WHS management systems and robust SWMS templates, such as those available from specialist providers like BlueSafe, can assist in systematically identifying hazards, assessing risks and documenting effective controls for airborne contaminants.

To find out more about the changes and download the stakeholder pack, visit Safe Work Australia’s airborne contaminants hub and ensure your workplace is prepared well before the new WELs commence on 1 December 2026.