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Construction
Detect workplace hazards. Protect your people.
Construction is expected to be significantly affected by the updated Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) commencing on 1 December 2026., with changes relevant to contaminants generated across construction activities.
Cutting, grinding, demolition, excavation, welding, painting and the operation of diesel-powered plant can expose workers to hazardous dusts, fumes, vapours and gases. The revised limits provide an important opportunity for construction businesses to review these exposures and existing controls.
If your business undertakes any of the following activities, the revised Workplace Exposure Limits may affect your workplace.
Concrete Cutting & Grinding
Demolition
Excavation & Earthworks
Welding & Fabrication
Painting & Coating
Carpentry & Timber Work
Diesel Plant & Equipment
Road & Civil Works
Enclosed-Space Work
Common Workplace Hazards: Respirable crystalline silica and other construction dusts
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Airborne dust generated during cutting, grinding, drilling and other work on silica-containing materials
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Silica-containing dusts, other hazardous dusts and task-specific contaminants
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Multiple airborne contaminants generated as materials are broken, cut or removed
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Airborne dusts and diesel engine exhaust
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Dust generated by excavation and vehicle movements, combined with emissions from diesel-powered plant
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Welding fumes, manganese, chromium, nickel and other metal contaminants
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Fumes and particulates generated during welding, cutting and fabrication
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Solvents, vapours, aerosols and coating-related contaminants
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Exposure during spraying, application, preparation and coating activities
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Wood dust and other airborne particulates
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations:
Dust generated during cutting, sanding, routing and machining timber products
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Diesel engine exhaust
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Diesel particulate matter, particularly where plant operates near workers or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Dusts, diesel exhaust, asphalt-related emissions and task-specific contaminants
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Changing exposures associated with roadworks, civil construction, plant operation and materials used on site
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Dusts, fumes, vapours and diesel engine emissions
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Reduced ventilation can increase exposure to contaminants generated by work activities
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment, Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Consultant Video Library
Construction Knowledge Centre
Detect workplace hazards. Protect your people.
Identify workplace hazards through Occupational Hygiene Assessments, workplace inspections and hazard identification.
Assess potential worker exposure and undertake Workplace Exposure Monitoring where required.
Eliminate exposure where reasonably practicable or reduce it so far as is reasonably practicable, prioritising higher-order controls.
Review control effectiveness through ongoing assessment and further monitoring where required.
Join JTA's Occupational Hygienists for a practical breakfast seminar covering:
The revised WELs affect a range of airborne contaminants encountered during construction. Businesses should identify the substances and activities relevant to their work and review existing controls before 1 December 2026.
No. The need for monitoring depends on the contaminants present, work undertaken, potential worker exposure and existing controls. An Occupational Hygiene Assessment can help determine whether monitoring is required.
Cutting, grinding, drilling, demolition, excavation, welding, painting, timber work and operating diesel-powered plant can all generate airborne contaminants.
Welding can generate a mixture of metal fumes and gases, with individual contaminants subject to their own Workplace Exposure Limits. Businesses should consider the welding process, materials, work environment and existing controls.
Yes. Diesel engine exhaust can expose plant operators and nearby workers, particularly where equipment operates in enclosed or partially enclosed areas.
Businesses should eliminate exposure where reasonably practicable or reduce it so far as is reasonably practicable. Higher-order controls such as substitution, isolation, engineering controls and local exhaust ventilation should take priority where reasonably practicable.
Monitoring results can help identify activities contributing to exposure and guide appropriate controls. Businesses should review the source of exposure and prioritise higher-order controls.
JTA can identify workplace hazards, assess potential worker exposure, undertake Workplace Exposure Monitoring where required and recommend practical controls.
Head Office Melboune
139 Ormond Road Elwood, VIC 3184
Mornington Peninsula
20 Lister Avenue,
Sorrento,
VIC 3943
JTA Health, Safety & Noise Specialists acknowledges the Boon Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the home of JTA resides. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.
