From 1 December 2026, the Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will be replaced with the Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must eliminate or minimise risks from airborne contaminants in the workplace so far as is reasonably practicable.
Until 30 November 2026, duty holders must ensure that no one is exposed to airborne contaminants above the current WES. From 1 December 2026, they must not exceed the new WEL.
The WEL sets the maximum level of airborne contaminants most people can be exposed to at work without it harming their health. The WEL exposure limits for some chemicals have changed from the WES, and new chemicals have also been added to the WEL.
To see what’s changed, visit Safe Work Australia’s comparison table.
For more information on the transition, visit the Safe Work Australia website or subscribe for updates.