A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the scene of the single vehicle crash at 10.57 am, between Herbert and Waianakarua.
A St John spokesman said the patient was taken to Oamaru Hospital by ambulance.
There were no other injuries, and no traffic management in place.
Due to concerns about the chemicals the ute was carrying police remained at the scene as of just after 2.30pm.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said the chemicals were dangerous, but they were contained and there was no risk to the public.
Police were waiting for the chemicals to be taken, and the road could be down to one later this afternoon after their removal.
The situation would continue to be monitored, Sgt Woodbridge said.
Earlier this morning a car flipped on SH1 north of Oamaru leaving the driver with moderate injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene at the intersection of Rippon St and State Highway 1, near Richmond at about 8am.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said a northbound driver allegedly drifted into the south bound lane, over corrected, skid on the gravel ditch, and collided with a concrete culvert, before flipping.
