Can Construction Workers Suffer From Lead Poisoning?

Posted on March 19, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Construction Accidents

Exposure to lead is a serious hazard on construction sites, especially in older buildings with lead-based paint, pipes, or contaminated dust. A construction accident involving lead exposure can lead to long-term health complications, including neurological damage, kidney disease, and reproductive issues. Understanding how lead poisoning occurs and what legal options are available is essential for protecting workers’ rights and holding negligent employers accountable.

How Construction Workers Are Exposed to Lead

Lead exposure is a serious risk in construction, especially for workers involved in demolition, welding, and painting. Older buildings often contain lead-based paint, which releases toxic dust when disturbed during renovations. Additionally, welding and cutting metal structures coated with lead-based materials can generate hazardous fumes and particulates in the air that workers inhale.

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926.62 establishes strict exposure limits to protect construction workers from lead poisoning. This regulation mandates that employers assess lead levels in the workplace and implement protective measures when exposure exceeds permissible limits. Failure to comply with these standards can put workers at significant risk of developing severe health conditions.

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning can have devastating effects on a worker’s health, especially with prolonged exposure. Chronic lead toxicity can result in neurological impairments, kidney disease, and reproductive complications. Even low levels of lead in the bloodstream can cause cognitive issues, making early detection crucial.

The symptoms of lead poisoning often develop gradually, making them difficult to recognize in the early stages. Workers may experience persistent headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which are often mistaken for general exhaustion. As exposure continues, these symptoms can progress to muscle weakness, memory loss, and mood changes, signaling significant lead toxicity.

Employer Responsibility in Preventing Lead Poisoning

Employers are legally required to minimize workers’ exposure to lead by enforcing strict safety measures. Providing proper protective equipment and implementing workplace monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of lead-related illnesses. Below are key safety measures that employers must follow to protect workers from lead poisoning:

• Protective gear – Employers must provide respirators and gloves to reduce exposure. Without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), workers may inhale or absorb toxic lead particles.
• Air quality testing – Worksites must regularly monitor lead levels in the air. OSHA regulations require immediate action if lead concentrations exceed permissible exposure limits.
• Medical monitoring – Employers must offer blood tests to workers at risk of exposure. Routine testing helps detect elevated lead levels before serious health complications arise.
• Proper training – Workers should be educated on lead risks and proper handling procedures. Understanding how to minimize exposure can prevent long-term health consequences.

Recovering Compensation for Lead-Related Illnesses

Construction workers suffering from lead poisoning may be entitled to financial relief through workers’ compensation benefits or a third-party liability claim, depending on the circumstances of their exposure. Oregon Revised Statutes § 656.012 outlines the state’s workers’ compensation system, which provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and disability compensation for injured employees. 

While workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages, it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or punitive damages. If a third party, such as a building owner, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, was responsible for your lead exposure, you may be able to file a separate work injury lawsuit.

Reach Out to a Work Accident Lawyer with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for Help Today 

Lead poisoning remains a hidden danger in construction, particularly for workers exposed to lead-based paints and contaminated job sites. Chronic exposure can result in severe neurological damage, kidney disease, and long-term health complications. Your work accident lawyer with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help you explore legal options if your employer failed to protect you from hazardous lead exposure. Complete our confidential contact form or call us to get started on your claim with a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.