Lower benzene workplace exposure limit to apply from June 2027

The current workplace exposure standard of 1 ppm (3.2 mg/m³), measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average, will remain in place until 1 June 2027. The transition period gives industry and employers time to review monitoring and compliance arrangements and introduce any necessary controls.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Exposure at work is associated with serious long-term health effects, including blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia. The lower limit is a health-based measure that strengthens worker protections and aligns with international standards.

The rest of Australia’s workplace exposure limits list will still take effect on 1 December 2026. Safe Work Australia advises businesses to check implementation arrangements in their state or territory with their WHS regulator.

In June 2026, Safe Work Australia published its Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Proposed workplace exposure limits for 9 chemicals. Benzene was among the nine chemicals for which WHS ministers requested further work.

Following that work and a recommendation from Safe Work Australia Members, WHS ministers reconsidered the proposed lower benzene limit and agreed to adopt it, allowing a transition period for industry to prepare.

An independent expert panel is continuing work on the other eight chemicals covered by the impact statement. Safe Work Australia’s airborne contaminants hub provides information and resources to support the move to the new limits.

How Blue Safe can help: Our WHS platform can help you organise inspections, registers and training records as you review workplace arrangements ahead of the benzene exposure limit change. See Blue Safe WHS software