- Cook Labor Government announces new deadline for changes to workplace exposure limit (WEL) for phosphine, delaying by three years
- WELs specify the maximum concentration of a hazardous substance that a worker can be exposed to at work, to protect against illness and injury
- The extension, until 1 December 2029, provides industry additional time to prepare for the changes, and for labelling updates to occur
The Cook Labor Government will extend the timeframe for implementation of the new workplace exposure limits for phosphine in Western Australia by three years.
Phosphine plays an important role in effective pest control in stored grain, and is the primary fumigant used across the Australian supply chain, including on-farm storage and bulk terminals.
Phosphine is also highly toxic and can pose serious health risks if workers are exposed to excessive concentrations.
Workplace exposure limits (WELs) are health-based limits that specify the maximum concentration of a hazardous substance that a worker can be exposed to in the air they breathe at work.
Following a review of more than 600 workplace exposure standards by Safe Work Australia, work health and safety ministers agreed in 2024 to new WELs for phosphine, including reducing the eight-hour exposure limit from 0.3 parts per million to 0.05 ppm.
The new limits were due to take effect nationally from 1 December 2026.
The three-year extension will provide additional time for the grains industry to work through practical issues around measurement, monitoring, and compliance and prepare for implementation of the new phosphine limit in Western Australia.
The Cook Labor Government will continue working with industry throughout this period, with the new phosphine workplace exposure limit to take effect from 1 December 2029.
The decision follows similar moves in Victoria and South Australia to defer implementation of the new phosphine exposure limit. It is not anticipated that another extension would be granted.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:
"I acknowledge the concerns raised about practical measurement of the revised phosphine limit and the possible impacts on grain holding times, storage capacity, and supply chains.
"We have listened to industry and while worker health and safety is paramount, the government recognises that there are practical challenges in bringing in the lower phosphine limit in December.
"In recognition of these challenges, and consistent with the approach being taken in Victoria, the government has determined to provide the extended transition period.
"As a government, we will work to ensure current exposure levels are well understood and adhered to."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"WA's grains industry is our State's biggest agricultural exporter, and phosphine plays an important role in protecting grain from insect pests and maintaining access to markets.
"We have listened to growers and the grain industry, who have raised concerns about whether the new exposure limit can be reliably measured and practically implemented under the current timeframe.
"The further three-year period should provide sufficient time for the practical issues to be resolved, so it is important that industry uses this time to make all necessary preparations."
