Managing hazardous substances in the workplace is an essential practice to protect workers, minimise risks, and maintain a safe environment – not to mention the issue of compliance. Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or using hazardous chemicals bear significant responsibilities to assess, manage, and monitor risks.
At Phoenix Occupational Medicine, we help organisations meet these responsibilities by offering tailored health surveillance solutions, helping to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and the health of employees.
What Are Hazardous Substances?
Hazardous substances encompass a wide range of materials that pose risks to health and safety. These include:
- Chemicals: Used in manufacturing, construction, and other industrial processes.
- Dusts: From processes like mining, woodworking, or agriculture.
- Fumes and vapors: Arising from solvents, fuels, or cleaning agents.
Common Risks of Exposure
Exposure to hazardous substances can cause:
- Immediate effects such as burns, respiratory distress, or poisoning.
- Long-term health conditions like cancer, organ damage, or chronic respiratory illnesses.
- Cumulative or interactive effects, where multiple substances target the same bodily system.
Understanding these risks is the first step in reducing exposure and ensuring workplace safety.
Why Hazardous Substance Management Plans (HSMP) Matter
A comprehensive hazardous substance management plan (HSMP) is more than a mere compliance tool – it’s a lifesaving framework.
- Emergency Preparedness:
Detailed chemical inventories, a critical part of an HSMP, ensure emergency responders have the information they need to act quickly and effectively during incidents. - Regulatory Compliance:
In Australia, strict regulations govern the management of hazardous substances. Businesses must comply with guidance outlined by Safe Work Australia, including maintaining chemical records, identifying risks, and implementing control measures. - Health Protection:
Without proper management, workers face significant health risks from acute exposure or long-term contact with hazardous substances.
Responsibilities of Business Owners and Managers
Business owners or managers who manufacture, import, generate, or use hazardous chemicals are required to:
- Assess risks: Evaluate hazards posed by each substance, considering flammability, toxicity, and reactivity.
- Monitor usage levels: Ensure chemicals remain below quantities that increase the risk of fire, explosion, or other incidents.
- Establish control measures: Implement engineering controls, provide personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain safe storage.
- Provide health surveillance: Conduct health monitoring when risks to worker health cannot be eliminated.
For detailed responsibilities, refer to the Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.
Health Surveillance: A Critical Component
Health surveillance is a key aspect of hazardous substance management, ensuring risks are identified early and addressed effectively.
Why Health Surveillance Matters
- Detects health risks and changes to health status early.
- Monitors effects when substances interact or impact the same bodily systems (e.g., respiratory system or liver).
- Provides valuable information on how to refine workplace controls and reduce risks.
When health surveillance identifies changes in a worker’s health, occupational physicians provide guidance on the implications for their well-being and job role. In some cases, this may involve modifying tasks. Ensuring clear communication and support during this health monitoring is a necessary part of the process.
Who Conducts Health Surveillance?
Occupational and environmental physicians work to deliver comprehensive assessments, including:
- Baseline and periodic health checks.
- Monitoring changes in health over time.
- Providing actionable recommendations to improve safety measures.
Challenges Faced by Safety Managers
Safety managers play a pivotal role in hazardous substance management, often juggling multiple responsibilities, including:
- Risk assessments.
- Training employees on chemical handling and emergency procedures.
- Implementing and maintaining control measures.
- Managing health surveillance programs.
Where to Turn for Guidance
Given the complexity of these tasks, managers should refer to Safe Work Australia, a reliable resource with:
- Guidance on compliance requirements.
- A comprehensive list of substances requiring health surveillance.
- Educational tools like flowcharts and appendices to streamline decision-making.
Key Elements of a Hazardous Substances Management System
To comply with regulations and protect workers, businesses should implement a system that includes:
- Identification and Classification
- Maintain an inventory of all hazardous substances.
- Label and categorize substances according to risk.
- Risk Assessment
- Evaluate hazards associated with each substance.
- Consider fire, explosion, and health risks as outlined in Appendix G.
- Control Measures
- Use ventilation systems, PPE, and safe storage solutions.
- Limit exposure through process changes and engineering controls.
- Health Surveillance
- Monitor employees exposed to substances that pose health risks.
- Engage specialists for accurate evaluations and recommendations.
- Employee Training
- Educate workers on safe handling, storage, and emergency response.
- Monitoring and Review
- Regularly review the effectiveness of controls.
- Update management plans to reflect changes in processes or regulations.
How Phoenix Occupational Medicine Can Help
Phoenix Occupational Medicine provides solution-based, specialist-led support to help businesses effectively manage hazardous substances. Our services include:
- Health Surveillance Programs: Tailored to your industry and workforce.
- Occupational Medicine Consultancy Services: Take necessary steps to protect workers’ health.
Managing hazardous substances is complex, but with the right support, businesses can protect their employees and maintain compliance.
Contact Phoenix Occupational Medicine today to develop a comprehensive hazardous substances management plan and safeguard your workplace.
Take Action Today
Don’t let the complexity of hazardous substance management hold your business back. By partnering with Phoenix Occupational Medicine, you can create a safer, healthier, and compliant workplace.
Disclaimer: Information provided is general only and should not construed as legal or medical advice. We recommend that readers seek advice for their specific circumstances.
