ABSTRACT
Chemical-induced injury and disease remains a significant problem in workers in industry. The responses of employers to the problems of chemical hazards in the workplace range from the authoritarian to the responsible, to the reactive, to the fragmented, to the negligent. Importantly, risk management outlines an approach by which chemicals in the workplace can be managed. Some organisations nominate a person who is personally responsible for workplace safety, and presumably they are able to deal with chemical safety problems. A workplace health and safety policy, developed in conjunction with the employees, defines the organisation’s goals and communicates senior management’s commitment. Chemical activities in workplaces can be very diverse. The concept of legislation for the control of workplace chemical hazards is a good one. Only time will tell if recently enacted chemical safety legislation will make workplace use of chemicals safer.
