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Health education represents a fundamental tool in the prevention of occupational diseases. We performed a transversal study on 233 subjects, employed on a lead battery manufacturing plant (in lead battery industry). We quantified the risk factors for lead intoxication, factors that can be due to employee behaviours, production facilities, tasks and working environment. Lead-in-air concentrations has been increased but not correlated with the levels of lead in the blood of exposed workers. The average blood lead level was 34,24 μg/dl. Fifty-six (24.04%) had a record of increased blood lead level. (blood lead level was more than 40 μg/dl). Workers had lacked knowledge about the toxicity of lead and protection against it. Inadequate personal hygiene and working habits (smoking) and poor work practices were correlated with high blood lead level. Occupational health education programs, social marketing and rigorous safety briefings are necessary for reducing blood lead level effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]