Rules for the safe handling, storage, and use of dangerous goods and explosives at workplaces are integrated into the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 through new chapters dedicated to dangerous goods and explosives.

Employers and duty holders at workplaces with dangerous goods must meet licensing and permit requirements; operating without a required licence or permit is an offence.

Officers of bodies corporate can be personally liable for dangerous goods workplace breaches if they fail to exercise due diligence to prevent them.

Incident reporting obligations are extended to include incidents involving dangerous goods and explosives at workplaces.

WorkSafe inspectors gain new powers to enter and inspect workplaces handling dangerous goods, seize materials, and issue dangerous-goods-specific improvement and prohibition notices.

Civil penalty orders are introduced as an alternative to criminal prosecution for serious contraventions of dangerous goods workplace duties.