WorkSafe releases practical guidance on workplace exposure standards

WES are guideline values that can help assess the risk of exposure to airborne substances such as dust and fumes. They are not compulsory limits or regulatory targets.

The new material includes educational videos, practical case studies, and a guide to working with occupational hygienists. WorkSafe has also updated inspector training and materials to support consistent frontline messaging.

See our WES resources

The resources respond to feedback from industry stakeholders who said WES can be difficult to understand and apply, particularly where businesses face measurement costs, limited access to occupational hygienists, or uncertainty about what WorkSafe expects.

WorkSafe says the starting point for businesses is to eliminate or minimise exposure to harmful substances as far as reasonably practicable. WES can help assess exposure risk, but they are not compulsory limits, are not set in regulation, and are not designed for businesses to apply on their own.

“We heard clearly that businesses want practical guidance and confidence about what is expected of them,” says Kelly Hanson-White, DCE Insights and Engagement.

“Our focus is on helping businesses to understand their exposure risks and take action to manage them well, not looking at WES values as standalone enforcement thresholds.”

WorkSafe has also confirmed WES values for flour dust, softwood dust, hardwood dust, and welding fumes. Confirmed values are no longer interim, providing greater certainty for businesses and occupational hygiene and health specialists.

Find a substance in the WES database

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Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz