Health Monitoring has been a prime focus for hazardous exposure to substances in the workplace with a lot of regulatory implementation and changes to reduce exposure limits and monitor employee’s health. However, there is still a long way to go. Industries that are regulated still need to improve exposure limits to safer numbers and they only cover the tip of the ice burg of occupations that are exposed to hazardous substances. Many are still not regulated at all. In an article published by ABC News on Monday 16 March, 2026, (Doctors want better protection for workers exposed to workplace chemicals labelled ‘silent killers’) they explored the research undertaken by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, respiratory specialists and Safe Work Australia, pushing for the Safe Work exposure limits to be reduced for benzene, formaldehyde, respirable crystalline silica, chlorine, copper, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide and titanium dioxide. The Regulation Gap Over the past 5 years there has been a huge change is crystalline silica regulations. Construction, Mining, Welding and Spray-Painting sectors have made positive changes to improve both workplaces and employee health monitoring. What about Veterinarians, Cleaners, Aged Care workers, the Beauty industry? Shockingly there are still industries that are completely overlooked. We have all seen nail salon staff wearing surgical masks to protect them from chemical vapours and filing dust as we walk through any local shopping centre. Rows of nail technicians with barely an empty seat as clients wait for their acrylic nails to be updated, gels to be replaced or just a fresh Mani Pedi for a little self-care. However, surgical masks do not offer protect from chemical vapours or tiny airborne particles and respiratory mask, such as an N95, is required for these fine particles, when fitted correctly. There is no regulation for PPE for nail technicians and suitable respiratory masks are not provided by employers to provide better protection for their staff. Currently there is very little research into the health risks associated with Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that evaporate and become vapours, which can be breathed in. Adding to this the close proximity to the chemicals and partials when working as a nail technician and the long hours of continue exposure in small salons with lines of workers. Health Monitoring Programs Even the industries as mentioned above that do have Safe Work exposure limits in place only a handful have employee health monitoring or surveillance regulations outlined to test and evaluate the impact of these occupational exposures for early detention of health concerns. Occupational Health providers, such as us at Workforce Health Assessors, can provide streamlined and efficient health monitoring programs. But we are limited for those industries or hazardous substances that don’t have guidelines for complete and accurate testing. From the article mentioned above, published by ABC News, the below list of chemicals does not currently have guideline for health monitoring under Safe Work Australia: Formaldehyde Chlorine Copper Hydrogen cyanide Hydrogen sulphide Nitrogen dioxide Titanium dioxide We are sure this is not all new information, but when it is all put together in one article it is a reminder of how alarming it is. Your Voice Matters Advocate for your industry for change. Many people say they have been working with these hazardous substances for 20, 40 plus years, what difference does it make now. Well, it makes a big difference if continued exposure is reduced, if PPE regulations are put in place or improved, if regular health monitoring catches health issues meaning they can get treatment instead of finding out when it is too late. Safe Work campaigns for the last couple of decades have focused messaging around the homecoming and being irreplaceable at home as the driver of safety at work. Because it is true. We all work hard so we can enjoy life. Even a small voice can make a difference. Report hazards Express concerns Find out who your industry governing body is Complete industry and Safe Work surveys, provide feedback Do your own research “Because that’s how it has always been done” is never a reason to prohibit change.