From WES to WELs: What Every Organisation Needs to Know Before 2026

From 2026, Australia’s workplace exposure standards are changing — and every business will be affected. The transition from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) isn’t just a technical update. It’s a significant shift in how occupational health is regulated relating to airborne contaminants with new substances added, stricter benchmarks set, and a stronger focus on prevention. For industries already facing risks like respirable crystalline silica (RCS), preparation is critical

The new WEL framework will be incorporated into Commonwealth, state, and territory WHS laws from 1 December 2026. Until then, workplaces must continue to comply with the existing WES limits.

More on the WES review from Safe Work Australia

A detailed comparison of changes between WES and WELs is available here (from page 3):
Changes to Workplace Exposure Limits – June 2025

The current list of Workplace Exposure Limits (as of July 2025) can be found here:
Workplace Exposure Limits – July 2025

What’s Changed?

Among the most critical updates are tighter controls around respirable crystalline silica (RCS). A substance linked to the rise in silicosis cases in engineered stone, construction and mining. Safe Work Australia reports that 11% of Australian workers are exposed to RCS. These changes put the spotlight firmly on industries where silica dust is an everyday risk.

Why This Matters?

The shift from WES to WELs is more than a name change — it’s a significant recalibration of workplace safety standards. With new contaminants added and tighter limits ahead, businesses across Australia must prepare now to ensure:

• Monitoring systems are aligned with the new limits.
• Risk assessments reflect updated exposure science.
• Compliance gaps are identified early

For industries dealing with respirable crystalline silica (RCS), the impact is especially critical. This means that compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties it’s about protecting your workforce and building trust that your organisation takes safety seriously.

Preparing For The Future

Organisations that start preparing now will be ahead of the curve with fewer compliance risks, smoother integration of monitoring systems and a healthier, safer workforce. By embedding occupational health monitoring into everyday operations, you and your organisation can stay confident and compliant as 2026 approaches

Next Steps

The transition from WES to WELs marks a turning point in workplace health and safety. With new limits, new substances and stricter compliance ahead, now is the time to prepare.

MOHR helps organisations simplify occupational health compliance, manage exposure monitoring, and stay ahead of regulatory change all in one secure platform.