The Australian Work Exposures Study (AWES) was a national survey conducted in 2011–12 that investigated work-related exposures among Australian workers to 38 known or suspected carcinogens. Some forms of lead are considered to be probable carcinogens and the work described in this report uses AWES data to:

• estimate the prevalence of work-related exposure to lead during relatively common workplace activities
• identify the main circumstances of those exposures, and
• identify the use of workplace control measures designed to decrease those exposures.

This report describes exposures that occur when typical work activities are carried out by Australian workers - it does not specifically focus on high risk lead work or ‘lead’ industries. This report has been written to inform public debate and the development of work health and safety policy.