SIGNIFICANT CONCERN AND LACK OF CLARITY FOR GRAIN GROWERS ABOUT GRAIN DUST CHANGES

Results from the recent Grain Producers Australia (GPA) survey show grain growers are deeply concerned and lack clarity about the upcoming safe work exposure limits changes for grain dust, that will commence during harvest.

From 1 December 2026, the Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for grain dust is being significantly decreased from an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) from 4.0 mg/m³ to 1.5 mg/m³.

Almost 500 growers completed the nationwide online survey with the following results:

• 91% of growers are you concerned about their ability to reasonably measure, monitor and manage this change

• 99% of growers do not know how they will measure the grain dust exposure in your business

• 97% of growers do not know how they will manage this exposure limit change

• 96% of growers do not know where to go to get more information about this change

GPA undertook the survey to better understand the impact of this to growers amid concern that they will find it difficult to reasonably measure, monitor and manage the much lower threshold in their businesses.

“Grain growers across Australia are committed to safe work practices in their businesses, but we wanted to understand their sentiment and understanding of this change and where they need assistance from leaders like GPA.” said GPA Chair Matthew Madden.

“Our online survey results are explicit that growers are not clear or confident about how they can adjust their business practices to measure, monitor and manage these critical changes.

“GPA are mindful of the broader workplace safety issues related to different types of dust, but we are frustrated with the lack of engagement with our sector at the process taken to change these regulations.

“Grain growers deserve clear and effective communication from regulators when business requirements change, especially amid the unpredictable challenges they faced this year from global conflict.

“The benefit of having taken the initiative to undertake this survey is that GPA have not only raised awareness amongst growers, but we are now also in a position to take timely and informed leadership action to support our sector."

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193