New campaign to focus on lead risk management in SA

New Campaign to Focus on Lead Risk Management in SA

SafeWork SA has introduced a fresh campaign focused on businesses dealing with lead to ensure the well-being and safety of their workers. This compliance initiative targets employers across construction, manufacturing and related sectors where lead risk work remains a persistent hazard.

What the Campaign Involves

In the next year, SafeWork SA inspectors will carry out work site inspections and audits in response to lead risk notifications, confirming businesses are fulfilling their legal obligations under current safety regulations.

The safety regulator has indicated it will initiate compliance actions against firms found to have safety violations. Employers should treat this as a clear signal to review their risk management practices before inspectors arrive on site.

Notification Data and Trends

Figures from SafeWork SA reveal the safety watchdog received a total of 122 notifications concerning lead risk work in 2024. So far in 2025, there have been 55 notifications logged, suggesting hazardous exposure remains a live concern for South Australian industry.

These numbers highlight why ongoing attention to lead risk work matters for both large-scale construction operations and smaller manufacturing outfits handling hazardous materials daily.

Defining Lead Risk Work

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 characterise lead risk work as any activity performed in a lead process that has potential to elevate a worker's blood lead level beyond established limits.

Businesses across Australia operating in high-exposure sectors should conduct a thorough health and safety risk management strategy review to confirm hazardous processes are properly controlled.

Compliance Timeline

SafeWork SA's compliance initiative will remain in effect until July 2026, giving businesses a defined window to strengthen safety systems and address gaps in lead risk work procedures.

Organisations seeking guidance on structuring their approach may benefit from reviewing a dedicated risk management policy to support ongoing compliance efforts.

Why This Matters for Industry

Construction and manufacturing industry leaders should note that SafeWork SA's renewed focus on compliance reflects broader safety priorities within workplace regulation. Sustained industry attention to lead exposure protects workers and reduces long-term liability for businesses operating in high-risk sectors.

Firms wanting a collaborative approach to managing hazardous exposure risks can explore strategies outlined in this piece on collaborative risk management for workplace safety.

Discover more information here.