SafeWork NSW Steps Up Lead Safety Action Across Broken Hill

SafeWork NSW has strengthened its on-the-ground presence in Broken Hill, undertaking a coordinated program of workplace visits and stakeholder engagements to address the significant legacy lead contamination impacting the region.

Over four days, SafeWork NSW representatives met with co-regulators and key local stakeholders to review current lead risk controls, clarify reporting requirements and explore new opportunities for communication, education and engagement. A strong emphasis was placed on improving collaboration between government agencies and supporting effective work health and safety (WHS) risk management across all affected industries.

Discussions with Broken Hill City Council focused on the council's lead risk control measures and broader management strategies, both within council workplaces and across the community. These conversations highlighted the importance of robust WHS management systems, clear policies and consistent procedures to minimise worker and community exposure to lead.

As part of the visit, SafeWork NSW attended 11 local businesses to provide tailored guidance on complying with WHS duties relating to lead exposure. Inspectors discussed practical control measures, including engineering controls, safe work practices, health monitoring and the value of formal Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk tasks involving lead. Employers seeking to strengthen their documentation and risk controls can also access structured WHS management systems and lead-related procedures through specialist providers such as Bluesafe.

In parallel, SafeWork NSW inspectors conducted a proactive operation across the mining sector in Broken Hill from 7–10 September. This operation focused on contractor management and the adequacy of lead management controls for lead risk work. Inspectors visited three operational mine sites to review systems for identifying lead hazards, implementing controls, managing contractors and meeting statutory notification requirements.

Inspectors also visited three additional local businesses linked to the mining supply chain, providing information and education on lead management, compliance obligations and when notifications must be made to the NSW Resources Regulator for mine sites or to SafeWork NSW for workers and subcontractors operating outside mine boundaries.

The NSW Resources Regulator, as the independent authority for the mining, extractives and petroleum sectors in New South Wales, continues to oversee health and safety, compliance and enforcement in those industries. SafeWork NSW is working closely with the Regulator to ensure consistent expectations and clear guidance for employers and contractors regarding lead exposure risks.

Under WHS legislation, employers must identify and manage risks associated with lead exposure, implement appropriate control measures and ensure workers are not placed at unacceptable risk. This includes having suitable policies, procedures and, where applicable, SWMS in place for tasks that may generate lead dust or fumes. Employers are also expected to provide training, information and supervision so workers understand both the hazards and the controls in place to protect them.

SafeWork NSW continues to maintain a proactive regulatory presence in Broken Hill, reflecting the long-standing nature of lead contamination in the region and the associated health risks. The agency has reaffirmed that reducing harmful lead exposure remains a priority, with inspectors committed to listening to local concerns, learning from stakeholders and supporting practical, sustainable improvements in risk control.

Through sharing information, strengthening partnerships and promoting robust WHS management systems, SafeWork NSW aims to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and the wider Broken Hill community. Ongoing collaboration with regulators, employers and community representatives will remain central to lead safety awareness, compliance and prevention initiatives across the region.