SafeWork SA files charges over unsafe lead exposure

SafeWork SA Files Charges Over Unsafe Lead Exposure

SafeWork SA files charges over unsafe lead exposure against energy giant AGL, alleging the company subjected employees to hazardous levels of lead while decommissioning its power station near Adelaide. The regulator's action highlights ongoing risk management failures across the energy industry and raises fresh questions about compliance obligations for hazardous decommissioning work.

Legal Proceedings Launched Following Investigation

Last week, SafeWork SA initiated proceedings in the South Australian Employment Court following a thorough and detailed investigation. Safework SA has lodged criminal proceedings against AGL Torrens Island Pty Limited under the state's work health and safety framework.

It is claimed that the company employed workers to de-commission the power station from October 2022 to April 2023.

What Happened: Lead Dust Exposure During Decommissioning

"This involved de-energising, or preparing to de-energise, cabling throughout the power station, allegedly exposing workers to lead or lead dust," SafeWork SA said.

"Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was provided – but allegedly did not include a full-face respirator. Five workers recorded elevated blood lead levels subsequent to the work."

This incident underscores why robust health and safety controls remain critical whenever hazardous substances are present on site. Elevated blood lead readings signal a serious health risk for affected personnel, and exposure of this nature can carry long-term consequences if not managed proactively.

Charges Filed Under Work Health and Safety Act

SafeWork SA has filed a Category 2 charge against the energy company in accordance with section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. This section addresses failures to manage risk where hazardous exposure results in harm, or potential harm, to workers.

Why This Matters for Construction and Industrial Employers

Lead exposure hazards are not confined to power generation. Businesses across construction, manufacturing, and industrial demolition sectors face similar hazardous substance risks during refurbishment or decommissioning projects.

Employers in these industries should consider the following compliance priorities:

• Ensure PPE selection accounts for specific hazardous substances present, including full-face respirators where dust or fume exposure is possible.
• Review safe work method statements before any lead-related tasks commence, particularly in construction and demolition settings.
• Maintain clear documentation of health assessments for workers exposed to hazardous materials.
• Understand duties under the relevant work health and safety act to reduce legal and reputational risk.

Safety professionals across construction and manufacturing sectors can learn from this case. Robust risk assessment processes, combined with rigorous compliance checks, remain essential wherever hazardous substances are handled. For guidance on managing similar exposure risks, refer to our resource on Working with Lead SWMS.

Broader Regulatory Context

This isn't an isolated case for the regulator. SafeWork SA has pursued several enforcement actions recently across various industries, reflecting a broader push to strengthen safety compliance nationwide. Read more about the regulator's earlier initiative in our article on the SafeWork SA plan to reduce occupational lead exposure.

Similar enforcement trends have emerged elsewhere too. SafeWork SA recently filed charges against a disability service provider, demonstrating the regulator's commitment to safety across sectors far removed from heavy industry. Full details are available in our coverage of SafeWork SA charges against a disability service provider.

Other recent cases, including proceedings covered in our report on Defence facing charges over a fatal crash, reinforce how seriously regulators now treat breaches involving preventable harm.

Practical Takeaways for Safety Professionals

Organisations handling hazardous decommissioning or demolition tasks should prioritise thorough hazard identification before work begins. Industry-specific hazards, such as lead dust generated during cabling removal, require tailored controls beyond standard PPE.

Where ventilation or airborne contaminants pose additional hazards, teams should also consult resources like our Cleaning Without Adequate Ventilation SafeWork Method Statement to strengthen site-specific controls.

For plant-related risks during decommissioning work, our Plant Roll-over – Emergency Response SWMS offers further guidance relevant to construction and industrial settings.

Read more here.