WorkSafe advises employers to protect workers from lead exposure

WorkSafe Advises Employers to Protect Workers From Lead Exposure

WorkSafe Victoria reminds workplaces to manage the risk linked to removal of lead-based paint, urging both employers and employees to follow proper safety procedures during demolition or renovation work.

"Lead-based paint, commonly used on many pre-1970s buildings and structures, can contain lead levels greater than 1%," WorkSafe Victoria states.

Unsafe Removal Practices Under Scrutiny

The safety watchdog says it has found employers and self-employed workers involved in unsafe methods of lead-based paint removal, raising concerns about long-term health impacts for those exposed to hazardous dust and debris.

Poor containment and inadequate lead management planning during paint removal can expose workers to hazardous particles well beyond acceptable safety thresholds, particularly on older structures where lead-based coatings remain intact beneath newer layers.

Employer Responsibilities for Managing Risk

Employers hold a legal responsibility to mitigate any risk related to lead exposure, to the extent that doing so is reasonably practicable. This duty covers every stage of a project, from initial assessment through final clean-up.

Businesses across Australia handling older buildings should review their approach to hazardous material removal, ensuring safe work practices are documented and consistently applied on site.

• Assess buildings for lead-based paint before starting demolition or renovation work
• Use appropriate containment methods to limit dust spread
• Provide employees with suitable protective clothing, gloves and respiratory equipment
• Reference a documented Working with Lead SWMS before commencing any high-risk task

Worker Obligations Under Safety Law

Employees hold a fundamental responsibility to take reasonable precautions for their own health and safety while performing tasks involving hazardous substances. Additionally, workers are required to collaborate with their employer on initiatives aimed at maintaining a safe work environment.

This shared responsibility model reflects a broader trend across Australian jurisdictions, where similar guidance has already prompted action — see how NT WorkSafe urges employers to protect workers from extreme heat and how Vic employers are urged to protect workers from amputation injuries.

Practical Steps for Safer Paint Removal

Reducing risk starts with proper planning. Employers should ensure teams:

• Wear protective clothing, including overalls, disposable overshoes and a hat
• Use wet methods or HEPA-filtered equipment rather than dry sanding
• Dispose of contaminated waste according to local regulations
• Monitor for signs of lead poisoning among staff regularly exposed to older paint surfaces

Consistent focus on safety across every job reduces the chance of lead contamination affecting workers, nearby residents or the surrounding environment.

Find out more here.