Hazardous materials & substances stories
Nearly 80,000 workers die each year in the EU from carcinogen exposure, much of it preventable with better controls and training.
Construction workers face a hidden lung-disease threat as poor dust controls and weak monitoring leave many exposed to silica and wood dust.
Six workers were put at risk after 140 litres of LPG escaped at a Taranaki gas station, prompting fines for three firms.
Poor ventilation and missing protective gear left workers exposed to solvent vapours that can cause unconsciousness and death in minutes.
Higher odds of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation were found among Hispanic/Latino workers exposed to metals or pesticides at work.
Ports are missing basic checks and labels, leaving workers exposed to toxic fumigants inside freight containers, EU-OSHA warns.
WorkSafe says poor asbestos controls can expose neighbours and visitors, after a New Plymouth remover was fined GBP £35,000 for unsafe work.
Businesses handling asbestos now face stricter duties, with management plans, training and independent air checks compulsory under new rules.
Even low blood lead levels may drive a third of premature cardiovascular deaths in the US, a new study suggests.
Harsh-environment enclosures could last longer, with the GRP frame resisting corrosion and cutting condensation around critical kit.
Councils and businesses are widening smoke-free zones across New Zealand, as researchers say current laws are lagging behind overseas standards.
Nearly 1,000 workers in Manukau precast concrete plants now have better protection from airborne hazards after a WorkSafe New Zealand drive uncovered gaps.
Occupational safety teams can now check three field types with one pocket-sized device, cutting the kit needed for EMF inspections.
WorkSafe will replace old exemptions with tighter hazardous-substance duties, forcing some labs to keep inventories, train staff and plan for emergencies.
Workplace safety rules for toxic chemicals will shift to WorkSafe in December, giving importers and manufacturers time to comply.
Rising ammonia-safety pressure in food processing has prompted a nationwide distribution deal for laser-based detectors across New Zealand.
Workers and neighbours were exposed to asbestos fibres after demolition proceeded without checks, leaving a North Shore homeowner with a NZD $49,000 bill.
Businesses will face simpler hazardous substances rules as New Zealand shifts workplace controls to WorkSafe under health and safety reform.
Workers and nearby residents may still be exposed to methyl bromide at several ports, despite a court warning over health and ozone risks.
