A major trade union claims Bunnings shoppers and workers could be at risk of lead poisoning after some of its members allegedly purchased rolls of lead sheeting from the retail giant that may not have been safely packaged. The alleged exposure is understood to have happened at the Bunnings’ Woodville store in metropolitan Adelaide, with the Electrical Trades Union claiming the lead product was “sitting on shelving, in a Bunnings aisle, with no safety precautions”. Lead is a highly toxic metal and a neurotoxin that presents health hazards to the human body.
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union of South Australia told NewsWire it had conducted lead level testing at the store in June, showing a reading of 59,000 micrograms per 100cm2 on the shelf with visible dust present and 3,300 micrograms per 100cm2 on the floor. For the whole store, the test showed a lead level of 6.8 micrograms per 100cm2.
“We call on Bunnings to ensure they put the public first and take all steps necessary to protect the community from lead exposure from lead products sold in their stores,” CEPU SA Secretary John Adley said. A Bunnings spokesman disputed the union’s claims of safety risks and said it had taken steps to ensure the product was safe. SafeWork SA said it was satisfied with the handling of the situation.
ETU national secretary Michael Wright warned there was “no cure” for lead poisoning. “We need better protections against the deadly effects of lead in workplaces.