The New South Wales Hazardous Substances Regulation (NSW HSR) was enacted by the NSW WorkCover Authority in 1996 with a two year transitional period so that employers and suppliers can introduce compliance mechanisms. It represents the State’s latest legislation concerning the control of hazardous chemicals and is based on a national model and in line with ILO Convention 170 and Recommendation 177 (ILO, 1990). Accordingly, the new regulation imposes obligations on suppliers, employers, employees and retailers to deal with hazards associated with the steadily growing amount of chemicals found in workplaces. Consequently, legal requirements for identification, assessment and control of chemical substances have become more complex. Concerns have been raised by relevant businesses in general and by safety representatives in particular about development and implementation of strategies to comply with the new regulation.
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