Above: Nyrstar Tenby10 Project Officer, Gary Fradd with grandson, Liam.
The Australian standard for lead in blood lead in the workplace is 50 µg/dL, however over the past few years the Smelter has been actively working to ensure all smelter workers had a blood-lead level of less than 35 µgdL. All employees and contractors on site are required to undertake regular blood tests to monitor levels to ensure no employee exceeds these standards.
Due to some tremendous work being undertaken on site, the smelter is currently experiencing it’s lowest levels of employees and contractors blood lead levels ever recorded.
As of February 07, 43 employees and contractors had blood lead levels equal to or greater than 30 µg/dL. The smelter had forecast that there would be 80 people above 30 µg/dL by 30th June this year so this result is well above expectations.
Compared to 2005 and 2006 this is an encouraging result.
In February 2006, 113 employees and contractors were equal to or greater than 30 µg/dL
In February 2005, 171 employees and contractors were equal to or greater than 30 µg/dL.
This is an outstanding result out of a total workforce of 785.
This reduction is a significant indication that initiatives put in place on site to achieve the tenby10 project are making an impact on reducing emissions and also reducing lead exposure. These initiatives include working closely with employees to educate them on the hazards associated with lead before they start working on-site. Training programs are conducted with new employees and contractors to explain lead and the associated hazards to minimise their exposure and minimise their chances of taking lead home. Crib rooms where workers eat their meals have been upgraded and an emphasis on personal hygiene has played a major part in bringing down lead levels.
