FLOW NEWS 24 | Grain Dust Limits Questioned Ahead of Harvest
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has raised serious questions about the scientific evidence used to justify new workplace exposure limits for grain dust, warning that the proposed changes could place unreasonable compliance demands on growers during harvest.
In an article published by Flow News 24, GPA highlighted concerns that Safe Work Australia's assessment relied on a 2011 Dutch study drawing on North American research conducted more than 40 years ago, involving a broader range of grain types than those covered by the Australian standard.
GPA Chair Matthew Madden questioned whether the evidence provided a sound basis for reducing the grain dust exposure limit, particularly given the practical difficulties growers face in measuring, monitoring and managing exposure on farms.
The article also highlights decisions by Victoria and South Australia to delay implementation, with GPA calling for regulators to reconsider the scientific basis of the changes and ensure workplace safety standards are both evidence-based and achievable for Australian grain producers.
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