Chemical Hazards – The Hidden Risk Across All Industries

Chemical risks are not confined to laboratories or manufacturing plants, they exist in workplaces across every industry, from hospitality and cleaning services to healthcare, construction, and community care. Whether it’s a cleaning product, disinfectant, or industrial sealant, hazardous chemicals can cause serious injury, illness, or even fatalities if not handled, stored, or supervised correctly.

Under the WHS Regulation, the business has a legal duty to provide adequate supervision, training, and instruction for any worker who uses, handles, generates, or stores hazardous chemicals. This includes ensuring that training is suitable and adequate, considering the nature of the chemical, the associated risks, and the worker’s experience and competence.

Unfortunately, recent prosecutions highlight the very real consequences when these duties are overlooked. For example,

1. A Restaurant Business Fined $50,000 for Exposing Teen Worker to Hazardous Chemicals. A food and catering business was convicted for failing to provide a safe system of work after a young worker suffered a severe chemical burn while using an undiluted floor cleaner, Tornado. The business failed to ensure workers were inducted, supervised, or trained in correct handling procedures. The incident resulted in a painful injury requiring a skin graft.

2. Winery Workers Hospitalised by Toxic Gas Reaction. At a winery, a cellar hand unknowingly mixed Ammonium Bisulphite and Tartaric Acid, releasing sulphur dioxide and ammonia gas. Seven workers suffered respiratory injuries. This event highlighted how even routine tasks can lead to dangerous chemical exposures without adequate training, supervision, and hazard identification.

3. Fireball Explosion and $300,000 Fine. A 22-year-old water proofer was using chemicals in a confined, unventilated area when a heat gun ignited fumes, triggering a fireball explosion. The company was found guilty under Section 32/19(1) of the WHS Act 2011 for failing to ensure the safety of its workers.

Each of these incidents could have been prevented through proper training, safe systems of work, and competent supervision. The legislative requirements are clear, the business must ensure that every worker exposed to hazardous chemicals is adequately trained, instructed, and supervised.

At Courtenell, we deliver specialized WHS and Chemical Safety Courses covering WHS responsibilities for PCBUs, Officers, and Supervisors, hazardous chemicals awareness and safe handling, risk management and control measures for chemical hazards, and emergency preparedness and response. The courses can be tailored to suit your workplace and industry, ensuring relevance and immediate application.