Protecting workers from exposure to lead — have your say

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is seeking feedback on options to improve the safety of workers undertaking work that may expose them to lead.

With the potential to cause significant harm to the health of workers and other people in the workplace, Part 7.2 of the model WHS laws (the lead regulations) set out specific requirements that apply to workplaces where lead processes are carried out.

Among these requirements is controlling the risk of lead contamination, providing information to workers, identifying and notifying lead work, and providing health monitoring.

Despite these requirements, SWA said, stakeholder feedback and recent incidents suggest that the current lead regulations may not be adequately protecting workers, there may be gaps in awareness and application of duties, and the regulations may be challenging to implement and enforce.

Therefore, feedback is being sought from SWA on the options identified to address issues with the lead regulations, including implementation issues. Feedback on additional issues and options which should be explored is also welcome, SWA said.

Feedback from this consultation will be used to prepare advice for consideration by Safe Work Australia Members.

You can have your say — and read the consultation paper — here, via SWA’s Consultation Hub. Submissions are open until 11.59 pm (AEST) on 24 August 2026.

Image credit: iStock.com/Dejan Marjanovic. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.