WorkSafe operation reveals lead safety breaches

WorkSafe Victoria has warned businesses of the potentially deadly risks of working with lead after inspectors issued improvement notices to 11 workplaces over unsafe practices in the past six months.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Health and Safety Adam Watson said inspectors found one workplace which had no system for controlling risks associated with lead exposure.

"Lead is a potentially deadly poison – if dust or fumes are inhaled or accidentally swallowed it can stay in your body for years, with serious or even fatal consequences," Mr Watson said.

"Safety must always be the first priority when working with lead and employers have a duty to ensure workers are appropriately trained and provided with safety equipment."

The full story is available on the WorkSafe Victoria website.