Blood lead exposure - Latest figures for 2007/08

The latest national statistics on work-related lead exposure, produced by the Health and Safety Executive, were released on 17 March 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.

This release presents analysis of blood lead measurements taken over the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008.

The key facts for 2007/08 are:

• 8,069 workers under medical surveillance.
• Smelting, refining, alloying and casting, the lead battery industry and manufacture of inorganic and organic compounds, were the three industry sectors that account for the majority of males working with lead.
• The lead battery sector, the metallic lead and lead containing alloys sector and the smelting, refining, alloying and casting sector, were the three industry sectors that account for the majority of females working with lead.
• 29 male workers were suspended from work; no female workers were suspended during the same time period.

Coverage: Great Britain

Geographical breakdown: None currently.