Help Strengthen Protections from Lead Exposure at Work

Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on proposed options to better protect workers who may be exposed to lead as part of their work activities. This national consultation aims to ensure that regulatory requirements, WHS management systems and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) effectively prevent harmful lead exposure in Australian workplaces.

Lead is a well-known hazardous substance that can cause serious short and long-term health effects for workers and others at the workplace. Robust risk management, including clear policies, procedures and health monitoring, is critical to minimising exposure and supporting safe work practices.

Part 7.2 of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws sets out specific obligations for workplaces where lead processes are carried out. These lead regulations cover areas such as providing information, training and instruction to workers, controlling the risk of lead contamination, identifying and notifying lead risk work, and ensuring appropriate health monitoring is undertaken.

However, recent incidents and feedback from stakeholders indicate that the existing lead regulations may not be providing sufficient protection in practice. Concerns have been raised about gaps in awareness of duties, inconsistent application of control measures, and challenges in implementing and enforcing the current requirements across different industries and work environments.

Safe Work Australia is therefore seeking input on a range of options to address these issues, including ways to improve implementation of the current regulations. Stakeholders are also encouraged to raise any additional concerns, practical challenges or alternative options that should be considered, including how lead-related risks can be better integrated into WHS management systems, SWMS and workplace policies.

Feedback gathered through this consultation will inform advice developed for Safe Work Australia Members, who will consider potential changes to strengthen protections for workers and improve regulatory clarity and compliance.

Submissions are welcome from all interested parties, including PCBUs, workers, health and safety representatives, industry bodies, unions, health professionals and WHS practitioners. To participate, visit Safe Work Australia's Consultation Hub to review the consultation paper and respond to the questions via the online survey or by uploading a written submission.

The consultation is open until 11.59 pm (AEST) on Monday 24 August 2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their views to help ensure Australia's lead regulations remain fit for purpose and are supported by effective WHS management systems and documented procedures. For examples of structured WHS documentation, including policies and procedures, you may wish to review resources such as those available at Bluesafe Policies & Procedures.