MOHR: Your Platform for Managing Silica & Occupational Health Safely into 2026

Australia is entering a new phase of workplace health regulation. With the transition from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) coming into effect on 1 December 2026, organisations must act now to stay ahead. This shift matters for industries like construction and mining, where respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a daily risk, these changes aren’t just about compliance they’re about protecting lives.

What You Need to Know: WES → WELs

WES have been Australia’s baseline air contaminant limits since 1995. In 2024, WHS ministers approved their replacement with WELs.

As of 1 December 2026, businesses must comply with WELs. Until then, WES remains enforceable.

Why this matters: WELs not only update existing limits but also expand to include 31 new airborne contaminants, increasing the breadth and complexity of compliance. The current RCS exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³ TWA) remains unchanged for now, but this is likely to evolve.

Information about research into lowering WES for RCS

The Stakes: Why Silica and Monitoring Matter

• RCS causes silicosis, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, kidney damage and more. Dust particles can be microscopic and invisible—but extremely harmful.
  Occupational Lung Disease – Silicosis
• In 2011, an estimated 6.6% of Australian workers were exposed to RCS, with 3.7% heavily exposed. Partial compliance and reporting remain a major concern.
  SWA – Decision Regulation Impact Statement
• Safe Work Australia guidance now requires health and air monitoring, especially when there’s uncertainty about exposure levels.
  Working with Crystalline Silica Substances

The Challenge for Organisations

With WELs and evolving silica risks, many businesses ask:

• How do we ensure consistent exposure tracking across multiple sites?
• Can we proactively manage emerging substances beyond silica?
• How do we manage emerging risks beyond silica, with audit-ready reporting?
• How do we link health monitoring (blood tests, spirometry) directly with exposure data?

MOHR: The Platform That Handles Silica—and So Much More

Unlike static spreadsheets or siloed systems, MOHR was built specifically for occupational health — combining hygiene data, health monitoring and compliance into one platform with the input of internationally recognised experts in workplace health and safety.

MOHR’s Occupational Hygiene module is able to provide:

• Real-time exposure monitoring for RCS and other workplace contaminants (with audit-ready reporting)
• Compliance readiness aligned with national, state and upcoming WEL standards
• Centralised health monitoring, including biological testing e.g., blood panels, spirometry and beyond
• Scalability for varying workflows and multi-site operations

With MOHR, your business isn’t just keeping up, it’s leading the way toward holistic occupational health management.

Why Acting Now Pays Off
Waiting until 2026 isn’t an option, delaying preparation invites liability, fines, worker harm and reputational damage. Instead, organisations that plan now can:

• Prioritise worker safety and risk prevention
• Reduce long-term health costs
• Build trust through transparency and consistent oversight
• Use MOHR for smarter compliance that anticipates regulation rather than reacts to it

Next Steps
The regulatory shift is coming but with MOHR, compliance doesn’t have to be complex. Fill out the form and join our Webinar.