HSE Review of Lead Exposure Potentially Jeopardises Roofing Industry

THE HEALTH and Safety Executive (HSE) is proposing to significantly reduce the blood lead suspension levels allowed for lead workers.

Levels of exposure to lead at work are currently measured through regular blood tests which measure the amount of lead suspended in blood.

Levels of exposure are regulated under the Control of Lead at Work (CLAW) 2002 regulations.

HSE Review of Lead Exposure

As part of a review, HSE is proposing to significantly reduce the blood lead suspension levels allowed — from the current 60 µg/dl to 30 µg/dl in October 2026, and then down to 15 µg/dl by October 2028.

If implemented, these changes could make continued use of lead in construction extremely difficult — or even unviable — from both a legal compliance and workforce health management perspective.

The HSE proposals pose a serious threat to traditional leadwork in particular as it involves workers whose focus is only on lead. This will be especially critical to expert craftspeople working in the heritage roofing and conservation sectors.

Even for roofers who only use lead periodically, for example as standard flashing on tiled and slated roofs, the proposals could spell the end of lead use.

The result could be the loss of highly skilled trades, disruption to historic building projects, and a crippling impact on roofing firms that rely on leadwork as an integral part of their business model.

A statement from the Lead Contractors Association, which promotes and protects quality standards in working with lead sheet and represents specialist installer members and associate members, said:

“We’re surprised by the direction the HSE is taking, as these proposed changes, if implemented, would have a significant and far-reaching impact on the UK roofing and construction industry. It also raises serious questions about why we are mirroring European-style thresholds post-Brexit, without fully considering the practical realities for British trades. We strongly encourage those in the industry to take this opportunity to submit their input on this matter.”

Industry Feedback to HSE

HSE has launched an informal consultation via a short online survey to gather feedback from industry stakeholders.

Complete the survey here. The survey deadline is Wednesday 11 June 2025.

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