GTA welcomes pause in contaminant exposure limit implantation

GRAIN Trade Australia (GTA) has welcomed the announcement by WorkSafe Victoria proposing to delay the start of new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 15 airborne contaminants, including phosphine, until 1 December 2029.

Phosphine is the primary fumigant used to protect stored grain from insect pests across the Australian supply chain, from on-farm storage through to bulk terminals.

There is no equivalent, registered, commercially viable alternative available at the scale the industry requires.

GTA chief executive Pat O’Shannassy said the Victorian decision was a practical and welcome step.

"GTA and its members are unequivocally committed to the safety of everyone who works in the grain value chain. That commitment is exactly why we have been advocating for a realistic implementation pathway,” he said.

“The proposed WELs apply limits at levels that current monitoring technology cannot reliably measure in practical workplace conditions, particularly the peak limit. A standard that cannot be measured cannot be verified, cannot be enforced consistently, and cannot demonstrably improve safety outcomes.

“Without a workable phosphine standard, Australia’s ability to deliver pest-free grain to domestic and international customers is put at risk,” Mr O’Shannassy said. “That is a biosecurity, market access, and trade issue, not just a compliance issue.”

GTA has also noted that the proposed Australian limits would place Australia “out of step” with comparable grain exporting and importing jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Argentina.

“The additional time proposed by WorkSafe Victoria provides the space for the work that should accompany a change of this magnitude - validating measurement methods, understanding the operational and economic impacts, and developing controls that the industry can actually implement.”

GTA is now asking Safe Work Australia and the remaining state and territory WHS regulators to consider a nationally consistent position.