Australian work health and safety ministers have agreed to reduce the workplace exposure limit for benzene, introducing stricter requirements to protect workers from exposure to the known human carcinogen.
From 1 June 2027, the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for benzene will decrease to 0.2 parts per million (ppm), equivalent to 0.7 mg/m³, measured as an eight hour time weighted average.
Current exposure limit remains until June 2027
The existing workplace exposure standard of 1 ppm, equivalent to 3.2 mg/m³, will continue to apply until 1 June 2027.
The transition period is intended to give employers and industry sufficient time to review workplace monitoring arrangements, assess compliance requirements and introduce any necessary exposure control measures.
Australia’s transition to the remaining chemicals on the WEL list is still scheduled for 1 December 2026.
Businesses are advised to consult their relevant work health and safety regulator regarding implementation arrangements in their state or territory.
Strengthening protection against occupational cancer
Benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen, with occupational exposure associated with serious long term health effects. These include blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia.
The reduced exposure limit is intended to strengthen protection for Australian workers and align workplace requirements with international standards.
Decision follows regulatory assessment
In June 2026, Safe Work Australia published its Decision Regulation Impact Statement examining proposed workplace exposure limits for nine chemicals, including benzene.
Following the publication, work health and safety ministers requested further assessment of the proposed limits.
Ministers subsequently reconsidered the benzene limit following additional work and a recommendation from Safe Work Australia Members.
Further chemical assessments continue
The ministers agreed to adopt the reduced benzene limit while allowing additional preparation time for affected industries.
The remaining eight chemicals identified in the June 2026 assessment are still undergoing further examination by an independent expert panel.
The revised benzene limit will take effect on 1 June 2027.
