12/10/2026
⚠️ New dust & diesel exposure limits from 1 December
New workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants will take effect in WA from 1 December 2026, including changes relevant to grain-growing businesses.
For grain dust from oats, wheat and barley, the eight-hour exposure limit will reduce from 4.0 mg/m³ to 1.5 mg/m³.
A new limit of 0.01 mg/m³ will also apply to diesel particulate matter.
SEPWA has sought clarification directly from WorkSafe about what growers will actually be required to do under the new limits, including whether farms will need to undertake ongoing air monitoring.
WorkSafe advised SEPWA that growers must identify dusts, fumes, gases and other airborne contaminants workers could be exposed to and take reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or minimise those risks.
Importantly, WorkSafe has confirmed that air monitoring is not automatically required on every farm.
“Air monitoring is not a mandatory requirement for every farm or every airborne contaminant. It is only required when a grower cannot be reasonably certain whether worker exposure could exceed a workplace exposure limit, or when monitoring is needed to determine whether there is a risk to health.”
WorkSafe also advised that, for many small and medium-sized farming operations, completing a risk assessment and implementing appropriate controls will generally be sufficient.
Published information on typical exposure levels for a task may also be used as part of that assessment.
Where air monitoring is required, WorkSafe advises growers to engage a suitably qualified person, such as an occupational hygienist.
WorkSafe is holding a webinar this Thursday 15 October, 10.00–11.30 am AWST, covering the transition from WES to WELs, what businesses will be required to do and compliance expectations. The webinar includes a Q&A.
Registrations close Wednesday 14 October.
👉 Register for the webinar: https://safetyline.wa.gov.au/events-single/wes-to-wels-transition-what-you-need-to-know/
👉 WorkSafe information for agriculture: https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/protecting-agricultural-workers-airborne-contaminants
SEPWA will continue to seek practical clarification on what the new requirements mean for grain-growing businesses as the 1 December commencement date approaches.
