Safe Work Australia

📢 Workplace exposure limits are changing

🦺 From 1 December 2026, new workplace exposure limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants will replace the current workplace exposure standards (WES).

🤝 Employers should start preparing now by understanding their WHS duties. You can start by reviewing safety data sheets, consulting with your workers, and considering air and health monitoring.

🔗 Visit the airborne contaminants hub to learn what you can do to get ready: https://www.swa.gov.au/airborne-contaminants

Working with silica? ⚠️

Safe Work Australia’s model Code of Practice: Managing risks of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace provides practical guidance to help you meet work health and safety duties and effectively manage silica risks.

We also offer a range of resources you can use in your workplace, including templates, case studies and infographics.

➡️ Explore the model Code and supporting resources on the Safe Work Australia website: https://bit.ly/3R7WA1R

You can’t always see it – but silica dust can seriously harm you and your workers.

Silica dust is produced when materials like stone, bricks, concrete or tiles are cut, drilled or ground. The particles can be so small you may not know you are breathing them in, but they can lodge deep in your lungs and cause irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer.

If you work with products containing silica, it is important to ensure you understand the hazards of silica dust and know how to comply with your duties under work health and safety laws.

💡Learn more about silica on the Safe Work Australia website: https://bit.ly/3R7WA1R

Our data shows 21% of occupations are exposed to very hot and/or cold temperatures at least once a week ❄️🌨️🥶

With winter underway, employers have a duty to manage risks and make sure all workers can work safely in cold weather conditions.

Learn more about managing risks of working in the cold on our website: https://bit.ly/3SKutpM