SafeWork SA launches criminal proceedings against AGL over 'unsafe' lead levels
SafeWork SA has lodged criminal proceedings against energy giant AGL, alleging the company exposed workers to "unsafe levels of lead" at its Torrens Island plant.
Last year, the ABC revealed workers, including AGL employees, had been affected by lead exposure while working on the decommissioning project of the power station north of Adelaide.
At the time, the energy giant was also accused of multiple breaches of work safety laws and regulations during its decommissioning of the station by South Australia's electrical and plumbing union.
In a statement, SafeWork SA said it launched legal action in the South Australian Employment Court on May 16, following a "lengthy and complex investigation".
It said AGL Torrens Island failed to comply with its health and safety duty, when its workers were allegedly exposed to unsafe lead levels during the plant's decommissioning process between October 2022 and April 2023.
"This involved de-energising, or preparing to de-energise, cabling throughout the power station, allegedly exposing the workers to lead or lead dust," the statement said.
"Personal protective equipment was provided — but allegedly did not include a full-face respirator.
AGL has been charged with a category two offence to the Work Health and Safety Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $1.5m.
"As the matter is before the courts, SafeWork SA is unable to provide any further information at this time," SafeWork said in its statement.
In a statement, an AGL spokesperson confirmed the legal action had been launched and said it could not provide further comment.
"AGL reported the event to SafeWork SA in May 2023 and has been working co-operatively with SafeWork SA," a spokesperson said.
"Health and safety is a core value of AGL and is an integral part of the way we work.
"As this is an ongoing matter, AGL cannot comment further at this time."
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