Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have agreed to reduce the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for benzene.
From 1 June 2027, the WEL for benzene will be reduced to 0.2 ppm (0.7 mg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
This timeframe recognises that benzene is a known human carcinogen with the potential for serious health outcomes for workers exposed to it, while providing industry and employers with time to review monitoring and compliance arrangements, and implement any necessary control measures.
Until 1 June 2027, the current workplace exposure standard for benzene of 1 ppm (3.2 mg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA will continue to apply.
Australia’s transition to the rest of the chemicals on the WEL list will still take effect on 1 December 2026. Check with your WHS regulator about the implementation of the WEL in your state or territory.
Why the workplace exposure limit for benzene is changing
Protecting workers’ health and safety is the primary consideration when setting workplace exposure limits.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and workplace exposure is associated with serious long-term health effects, including blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia.
The reduced WEL is a health-based measure that strengthens protections for Australian workers and aligns with international standards.
Background
In June 2026, Safe Work Australia published the Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Proposed workplace exposure limits for 9 chemicals (DRIS). WHS ministers requested further work on these 9 chemicals which included benzene.
WHS ministers have reconsidered the reduced WEL for benzene following further work and a recommendation by Safe Work Australia Members, and agreed to adopt it, with transition time to allow industry to prepare for the change.
The other 8 chemicals in the DRIS are currently the subject of further work by an independent expert panel.
Learn more
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