October 6, 2025: Evolving regulatory and operational safety challenges facing the lead battery industry in the US took center stage at BCI’s Environmental Health & Safety Conference in Anaheim, California.

The bi-annual two-day EHS conference, which started on September 17, featured educational briefings, expert panels and peer networking.

BCI said presenters underscored the seriousness of California’s updated occupational lead-exposure rules and the urgency for companies to adapt.

One presentation delved into permissible exposure limits, medical surveillance provisions, and reporting requirements under the state’s lead exposure Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which took effect at the beginning of 2025.

Delegates were also urged on diligence in operations outside of California as federal OSHA and several state OSH agencies are reviewing their lead standards.

Many firms voiced concern over retrofit expenses or staffing constraints. But presenters urged that non-compliance risk — not just fines, but potential worker health liability and reputational damage — makes proactive investment both a moral and business imperative.

More than 50 of the delegates also toured US Battery Manufacturing’s facility in nearby Corona.

BCI president and executive director Roger Miksad said: “It is not an exaggeration to say that North American battery companies operate at the highest levels of health and safety in the world, and it’s critical that we have a forum for stakeholders to share best practices and stay ahead of evolving regulatory obligations.”

Miksad said EHS and BCI are committed to constant improvement when it comes to the handling and processing of lead.

Miksad also thanked US Battery Manufacturing for hosting the visit, saying it was one thing to read about regulations on paper, but very different to address them in real-world applications.

“US Battery’s best-in-class EHS protocols provided a tremendously valuable learning opportunity.”