Authorities want a better view of potential workplace carcinogens. 

Safe Work Australia has initiated an investigation into the presence and potential risks associated with non-threshold genotoxic carcinogens (NTGCs) in Australian workplaces. NTGCs are cancer-causing substances that can disrupt normal bodily processes and alter DNA, posing a significant health hazard. 

According to Safe Work Australia, there is currently no established safe exposure level or dosage for NTGCs, making any level of exposure a potential risk for cancer development.

In a recent review of workplace conditions, Safe Work Australia identified 33 chemicals as NTGCs, indicating their widespread use in Australian workplaces. 

To gather comprehensive data on NTGCs, the organisation has launched a survey aimed at collecting information from various stakeholders. 

The survey aims to determine which NTGCs are utilised in Australian workplaces, the quantities in which they are present, their specific purposes, and the existing control measures in place to mitigate risks to workers. 

The survey also seeks feedback on the current regulatory requirements under the model WHS (Work Health and Safety) laws, which govern worker protection from carcinogen exposure.

Safe Work Australia is urging businesses and organisations to eliminate or minimise risks associated with airborne contaminants, including NTGCs. 

The organisation says there is a need to ensure that workers and others within the workplace are not exposed to airborne contaminant levels surpassing the workplace exposure standard (WES).

The information gathered through the survey and stakeholder feedback will play a role in informing Safe Work Australia's decision-making process regarding the regulation of NTGCs.