Not understanding the harm that can occur when working with hazardous substances is a serious problem with serious consequences. Between 750 and 900 New Zealanders are estimated to die from work-related illness every year, many from exposure to hazardous substances. Exposure to different hazardous substances affects people in different ways. Health effects can include personality changes, sleep disorders, memory loss, cancer, fertility problems and even death. These serious health risks are why it's so important to safely manage the hazardous substances at your workplace and protect your health and the health of your workers and others.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Hazardous substances can damage your health
- Applying substance controls
- Prepare an inventory of your hazardous substances
- Find and implement the key controls
- Manage remaining hazardous substances risks
- Review control measures
- Health and exposure monitoring
- Information, instruction and training
- Young people