SafeWork NSW has reinforced its commitment to protecting workers in Broken Hill by undertaking a series of proactive engagements and workplace visits as part of its ongoing efforts to support management of the risks arising from working with lead.
Broken Hill continues to face one of the most significant legacy lead contamination challenges in NSW.
SafeWork NSW representatives recently met with co-regulators and key stakeholders over four days to discuss these issues and identify opportunities for future communication, education and engagement activities.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between government agencies, supporting effective risk management and sharing information on worker and community exposure risks and reporting requirements.
SafeWork NSW also met with Broken Hill City Council representatives and discussed their lead risk controls and management approaches within local workplaces and the broader community.
Over the four days, SafeWork NSW visited 11 other businesses across the region to provide guidance on meeting their work health and safety obligations relating to lead exposure.
SafeWork NSW inspectors also conducted a proactive operation in the mining sector across Broken Hill from 7-10 September focused on contractor management and lead management controls for lead risk work.
Inspectors visited three operational mining sites as part of the operation, as well as three other local businesses to provide information and education regarding lead management and compliance, and notification requirements to the NSW Resources Regulator for mine sites or SafeWork NSW for workers and subcontractors operating outside of mine sites.
The NSW Resources Regulator is the independent regulatory authority for mining in New South Wales and is responsible for health and safety, compliance, and enforcement across the mining, extractives, and petroleum sectors.
Employers have a duty under work health and safety laws to identify and manage risks associated with lead exposure and ensure appropriate controls measures are in place to protect workers.
SafeWork NSW maintains a proactive presence in the region to support compliance with work health and safety obligations.
Read more information on working with or around lead.
Quotes attributable to SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:
“Protecting workers from harmful lead exposure remains a key priority for SafeWork NSW, particularly in communities where lead contamination has been a long-standing issue.”
“These visits are about listening, learning and working closely with our co-regulators, local stakeholders and businesses to better understand how we can support ongoing efforts to reduce lead exposure risks.”
“Every employer has a responsibility to identify and manage lead-related hazards in their workplace and ensure effective controls are in place to protect workers' health and safety.”
“By sharing information, strengthening partnerships and supporting practical risk management, we can help deliver better outcomes for workers and the broader Broken Hill community.”
“SafeWork NSW will continue working closely with regulators, employers and the community to support lead safety awareness, compliance and prevention efforts across the region.”
Back to top