Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on Part 7.2 (Lead) of the model WHS Regulations (the Lead Regulations) which will be used to prepare advice for consideration by Safe Work Australia Members.
About this consultation
The Lead Regulations set out specific requirements which apply to workplaces where lead processes are carried out, in recognition that exposure to lead can cause significant harm to the health of workers and other people in the workplace. Despite current requirements, the Lead Regulations may not be achieving a sufficiently protective standard and may be challenging to implement.
Safe Work Australia has published a consultation paper which outlines issues with the current Lead Regulations which have been identified through desktop research and in consultation with key stakeholders. The paper also proposes options to address these issues and improve the safety of workers undertaking work that may expose them to lead. The issues and options are summarised below.
Issue | Options |
Definition of lead process. |
|
Definition of lead risk work. |
|
Blood lead levels which trigger action. |
|
Through this consultation process, Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on the options identified, including any implementation issues which may be encountered. Feedback is also being sought on other suggested options which may address issues with the current Lead Regulations, and any further issues which should be explored and addressed at the national level.
Safe Work Australia also welcomes additional data which can assist to quantify current occupational exposure to lead in Australia and the harmful health effects this may be causing.
Consultation process
Safe Work Australia welcomes submissions from all interested stakeholders who may be affected by implementation of the options included in the consultation paper or have expertise in a relevant field.
The feedback received as part of this consultation process will be used to prepare advice for consideration by Safe Work Australia Members. The Agency will then work with Safe Work Australia Members to determine appropriate next steps.
Any final recommendations will be provided to Commonwealth, state and territory WHS ministers, who are the decision makers in relation to amendments to the model WHS laws.
Making a submission
Submissions are sought by 11:59 pm (AEST) Monday 24 August 2026. Submissions can be made by completing the survey under the 'Have your say' section or by uploading a written submission.
Demographic data will be collected as part of this process through completing the submission form.
You can decide how your submission is published on the Consultation Hub by choosing from the following options:
submission published with your name, your organisation’s name, or a pseudonym
submission published anonymously, or
submission not published.