SafeWork SA has initiated criminal proceedings against AGL, citing the company's failure to protect workers from "unsafe levels of lead" at its Torrens Island power station in South Australia.

The legal action follows an investigation into alleged occupational safety violations during the decommissioning process, which occurred between October 2022 and April 2023.

The investigation was prompted by concerns raised by workers, including employees of AGL, about potential lead exposure while working on the decommissioning of the facility located north of Adelaide.

Previous reports indicated that multiple breaches of work safety laws had been attributed to AGL during this phase of the project, as asserted by South Australia’s electrical and plumbing union.

On May 16, SafeWork SA filed legal action in the South Australian Employment Court, proceeding after a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the alleged lead exposure.

According to SafeWork SA, the AGL Torrens Island operation did not meet its obligations under health and safety laws, thereby allegedly exposing workers to lead or lead dust during activities related to the deactivation of electrical cabling within the power station.

The statement from SafeWork SA noted that while personal protective equipment was provided to the workers, it failed to include full-face respirators, which would have been essential for adequate protection against lead exposure.

Reports indicate that five workers have recorded elevated blood lead levels following their work at the site.

AGL faces a category two offence charge under the Work Health and Safety Act, which may carry penalties up to AUD 1.5 million.

In response to the legal proceedings, an AGL spokesperson acknowledged the initiation of the action but refrained from providing further comments due to the ongoing status of the legal matter.

The spokesperson confirmed that AGL had reported the incident to SafeWork SA in May 2023 and has cooperated with the investigation efforts.

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union's South Australian branch expressed support for the legal action.

Union Secretary John Adley recounted concerns raised by AGL workers over severe health symptoms two years prior, leading to an investigation into the sources of toxicity, including lead paint and cables.

Adley commented on the broader implications of the charges, suggesting they could heighten awareness about lead exposure risks among employers.

The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, endorsed SafeWork SA's actions, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety, especially for profitable companies like AGL that have a responsibility to ensure their workers' well-being.

Malinauskas remarked on the community's expectation for regulatory bodies to demand adherence to safety standards in the workplace.