Lead exposure regulations reviewed by Safe Work Australia

After conducting a review of the regulation of lead in the workplace, Safe Work Australia has published a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS).

The DRIS, entitled Managing risks associated with lead in the workplace: Blood lead removal levels and workplace exposure standard, encapsulates Safe Work Australia’s examination of the current toxicological information and overseas trends in lead regulation.

It also examines options to reduce the adverse health outcomes caused by exposure to lead in the workplace.

The document was provided to ministers responsible for work health and safety to consider reducing the current permissible blood lead levels and workplace exposure standard to better protect workers who may be exposed to lead at work.

A majority of ministers agreed to the preferred options, which will now be implemented through model work health and safety legislation.