SafeWork NSW targets lead exposure risks in Broken Hill

Broken Hill faces one of NSW’s most significant legacy lead contamination challenges. SafeWork NSW’s recent activities formed part of its ongoing work to protect workers and support businesses in managing risks associated with lead.

Over four days, SafeWork NSW representatives met with co-regulators and key stakeholders to discuss lead-related issues and identify opportunities for future communication, education and engagement. The discussions focused on collaboration between government agencies, effective risk management, exposure risks for workers and the community, and reporting requirements.

Representatives also met with Broken Hill City Council to discuss its lead risk controls and management approaches in local workplaces and the wider community. During the four-day visit, SafeWork NSW visited 11 other businesses across the region to provide guidance on their work health and safety obligations relating to lead exposure.

In a separate proactive operation from 7–10 September, SafeWork NSW inspectors visited three operational mining sites in Broken Hill. The operation examined contractor management and lead management controls for lead risk work.

Inspectors also visited three other local businesses as part of that operation, providing information and education about lead management, compliance and notification requirements. Those requirements involve notifying the NSW Resources Regulator for mine sites, or SafeWork NSW for workers and subcontractors operating outside mine sites.

The NSW Resources Regulator is the independent mining regulatory authority in NSW. Its responsibilities cover health and safety, compliance and enforcement across the mining, extractives and petroleum sectors.

Employers are required under work health and safety laws to identify and manage lead exposure risks and put appropriate controls in place to protect workers. SafeWork NSW described protecting workers from harmful lead exposure as a key priority, particularly in communities with long-standing contamination issues.

SafeWork NSW said the visits were intended to help it understand how to support efforts to reduce lead exposure risks through engagement with co-regulators, local stakeholders and businesses. It will continue working with regulators, employers and the community on lead safety awareness, compliance and prevention across the region.

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