Top tips to improve hazardous materials handling

Hazardous materials handling is a crucial issue for many businesses, given they are responsible for 14% of all serious injury claims.

The Australian Workers Compensation Statistics for 2020–21 reveal that 19,000 claims were made relating to hazardous materials. Meanwhile, chemicals and chemical products were responsible for 1% of all serious claims, accounting for over 1000 claims.

“The volume of serious claims for workers compensation has been in decline over the last two decades, indicating that workplaces are making great strides in safeguarding employee safety. However, the costs associated with compensation claims have risen significantly,” said Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Director, Workplace Health & Safety Show.

Statistics demonstrate that between 2001 and 2020, the median time lost for a serious claim rose by 67% from 4.2 to 7.0 working weeks. In addition, the median compensation paid for a serious claim climbed by 190% from $5200 to $15,100.

“The management of hazardous materials should be a priority for all Australian businesses. After all, some hazardous substances have no immediately visible effect but can result in long-term health complications such as cancer. And even basic cleaning supplies in the office storeroom present a potential risk,” Blackie said. “Organisations must take the necessary steps and precautions to protect workers, and to meet regulatory requirements.”

There are several steps that organisations can take to manage hazardous materials handling.

1. Invest in high-quality PPE (and maintain it properly)

From eye protectors and masks to head wear and shoe covers, respirators, coveralls and gloves, good-quality PPE solutions will offer the required resistance to hazardous chemicals, abrasives and corrosives, as well as dusts. “It’s wise to partner with a supplier who has the proper accreditations and a commitment to quality. Counterfeit or substandard PPE is a concern,” Blackie said. He also noted the importance of selecting and sourcing PPE correctly. “Over 80% of health and safety officials surveyed agree that current PPE for women is unsuitable and doesn’t fit properly, reducing its efficacy and sometimes resulting in discomfort or poor mobility.”

2. Invest in risk monitoring and management technology solutions

Pointing to the wide range of technology solutions and equipment available, Blackie recommends working with an experienced and accredited service provider that can offer tailored solutions which deliver measurable results. “The integration of new technology, including AI and sensors, has enabled more accurate, effective and cost-effective detection, monitoring and management of hazards across a wide range of industry sectors. And with some service providers offering rental services, it’s becoming easier for companies of any size to make the most of these solutions,” he said.

3. Invest in high-quality hazardous material storage and management tools

It is important to select the right storage solutions, which will offer resistance against the environmental elements (eg, dust, high temperatures, etc) as well as the chemicals themselves. “Besides the proper cabinets, it’s critical to have spill control kits and firefighting equipment, including smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, as well as fire blankets,” Blackie said.

4. Install life-saving equipment for emergencies

This includes solutions such as workplace defibrillators. “Around 30,000 Australians suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, and only 5–10% of them survive without immediate interventions. This survival rate can reach 70% if a defibrillator is used,” Blackie said.

5. Provide safety training to workers

Companies should consider immersive training such as virtual reality (VR) training. “Training is completed up to four times faster than traditional training methods, and participants are almost 300% more confident to act on what they’ve learned,” Blackie said. “Similarly, high-definition video and 3D animations enable companies to recreate complex risk scenarios and safety procedures.”

Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney will provide organisations with solutions for their hazardous materials handling requirements. Taking place from 23–24 October 2024 at The Dome (Sydney Showground), the show exhibition features over 160 brands, demonstrating the latest safety products and solutions.

For more information, visit https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-sydney/see-action.

Image credit: iStock.com/Thank you for your assistant. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.