When do I have to provide health monitoring for a worker?

A PCBU must provide health monitoring to a worker if there is a significant risk to the worker's health because of exposure to a hazardous chemical listed in Schedule 14 of the WHS Regulations, or if the worker carries out lead risk work, asbestos work, or work involving respirable crystalline silica. The general duty sits in Part 7.1 Division 6 of the model WHS Regulations, with lead-specific duties in Part 7.2.

What chemicals trigger health monitoring?

Schedule 14 of the WHS Regulations lists the hazardous chemicals that trigger health monitoring and the type of monitoring required for each — examples include arsenic, benzene, cadmium, chromium (VI), inorganic mercury, isocyanates, organophosphate pesticides, pentachlorophenol, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and vinyl chloride. Lead (lead risk work, Part 7.2), asbestos and respirable crystalline silica also trigger health monitoring. Check Schedule 14 for your specific substance.

Who pays for health monitoring — the employer or the worker?

The PCBU (the person conducting the business or undertaking — usually the employer) pays for health monitoring. It must be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring, and the worker must be given the results.

How long must health monitoring records be kept?

Health monitoring records must be kept confidential and retained for at least 30 years after the record is made (regulation 378 of the model WHS Regulations). They must not be disclosed without the worker's consent except as the Regulations allow.

Does Victoria have different health monitoring rules?

Yes. Victoria is not part of the harmonised WHS scheme — health monitoring duties sit under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the OHS Regulations administered by WorkSafe Victoria, which use different terminology and lists. Western Australia adopted the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) with its own regulations. If you are in either state, check your regulator's guidance for your substance.

WHS Health Monitoring Trigger Checker

Check whether you must provide health monitoring for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, lead, asbestos or silica under the WHS Regs.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Health monitoring is required when a worker faces a significant risk to health from a Schedule 14 hazardous chemical, lead risk work, asbestos or respirable crystalline silica. This tool tells you whether you must provide it, that the PCBU pays, what it involves and the 30-year records rule.

Do you have to provide health monitoring?

Answer a couple of questions to see whether you (the PCBU) must provide health monitoring for a worker, who pays, what it involves and the 30-year records rule. This is general information — check Schedule 14 and the relevant Code of Practice for your substance.

1. What is the worker exposed to?

Select what the worker is exposed to above to see your health monitoring obligations.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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