MySafetyTV

When it comes to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, managing hazardous substances is absolutely critical. Across New Zealand and Australia, thousands of businesses handle chemicals, solvents, gases, and other potentially dangerous materials as part of their daily operations. But without proper training, precautions, and procedures in place, the risk of accidents increases significantly—putting workers’ health, company assets, and compliance at serious risk.

In Australia, Safe Work Australia highlights that hazardous chemicals play a role in a number of work-related injuries and incidents each year. From cleaning products to agricultural sprays, these substances are common across many industries. With the right handling, storage, and awareness—most of these risks can be managed safely and effectively.

According to WorkSafe New Zealand, more than 150 injuries related to hazardous substances are reported every year. In one recent year alone, 42% of those injuries resulted in serious harm. These aren’t just numbers—these are real incidents happening across Aotearoa, and they’re 100% preventable.

Some of the most common incidents involving hazardous substances include chemical burns, inhalation of toxic fumes, fires and explosions, spills and leaks, as well as improper storage and disposal. These accidents often stem from a lack of awareness, inadequate labelling, poor use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or failure to follow standard procedures.

For example, in industrial environments where volatile substances are used, improper ventilation can lead to the dangerous accumulation of vapours. A single ignition source is all it takes to cause a devastating explosion. Similarly, incorrect handling or mixing of incompatible substances can result in harmful reactions, creating toxic gases or causing burns on contact.

So, how can your organisation prevent these types of accidents? The first step is implementing a robust hazardous substances management plan, which should include:

• Training and education through platforms like MySafetyTV, ensuring staff understand the risks associated with every substance they handle.
• Accurate and clear labelling to comply with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO), enabling quick identification of materials and their associated risks.
• Proper storage solutions to segregate incompatible materials, reduce the risk of leaks, and ensure easy access in case of emergency.
• Use of appropriate PPE, from gloves and goggles to respirators, tailored to the specific hazards present in your workplace.
• Emergency response procedures, including spill kits, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers, with staff trained to use them effectively in moments that count.

In addition, incorporating regular audits and safety drills will reinforce safe habits, identify potential oversights, and foster a pro-active safety culture. Leveraging digital training solutions like MySafetyTV can help reinforce critical messages and keep compliance front-of-mind for your team.

At the end of the day, preventing accidents involving hazardous substances is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives, maintaining operational integrity, and meeting legal obligations under WorkSafe NZ regulations.

Invest in continuous education, proper systems, and a safety-first mindset, and your workplace will be far better prepared to handle hazardous substances not just safely, but confidently.