AGL fined $60k after workers exposed to lead during power plant deactivation

In South Australia, the Employment Tribunal has convicted and fined energy company AGL $60,000 for exposing workers to lead during the decommissioning of the Torrens Island A Power Station. The company pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a health and safety duty towards its employees. AGL has since stated it has taken measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The exposure occurred during the de-energising, cutting and removal of large quantities of paper-insulated lead-covered (PILC) cables. This process generated lead dust and debris, which workers were not provided with respiratory protection to prevent inhalation. Despite the presence of lead in the workplace, no full-face respirators were supplied to the workers.

In 2024, the ABC had reported that workers, including AGL employees, had been affected by lead exposure during the works carried out between October 2022 and April 2023. Testing found that five employees had elevated blood lead levels.

SafeWork SA, the body that initiated the criminal proceedings, stated that the exposure was due to the cutting and removal of the cables, which resulted in the generation of lead dust. The Tribunal's Deputy President Judge Miles Crawley emphasized that the work should have been a clear source of the risk of lead exposure, and highlighted the importance of effective risk assessment protocols.

SafeWork SA's executive director, Glenn Farrell, underscored the significance of thorough hazard identification and risk assessment for known harmful materials, particularly during demolition, decommissioning, and maintenance activities. Employers, he noted, must ensure all potential sources of hazardous exposure are identified and suitable controls implemented before work begins.

SafeWork SA's statement also stressed that effective safety management depends on identifying and addressing workplace risks before workers are put at risk. AGL, in its statement, acknowledged its shortcomings and affirmed that health and safety are core values of the company. They have updated written procedures to include new working with lead procedures, hazard identification, risk assessments, and are educating employees and contractors about the risks.