In the UK, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 is what you need to follow. Why? Because not doing so can lead to illness, legal repercussions, and damage to your company's reputation.
Read on for the essentials of COSHH management that you need to understand.
This UK law is overseen by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and it aims to minimise or completely prevent your staff's exposure to hazardous substances. Every year, thousands of workers suffer from health issues due to exposure to harmful substances at work. These can range from minor irritations to severe illnesses like cancer. COSHH aims to prevent this and as an employer, it's your duty to follow these regulations, not just for your team's well-being but to also avoid legal repercussions.
If you're an employer, especially in industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or any field that involves the use of chemicals or other hazardous substances, COSHH is directly relevant to you. Even offices can have substances that fall under COSHH, like certain cleaning materials. If you handle substances that could harm your employees if not properly managed, you need to be familiar with COSHH regulations.
The term "substances" in COSHH isn't just limited to chemicals in liquid form. It's a broad category that encompasses everything from liquids and solids to fumes, gases, and even biological entities like bacteria and viruses. The scope also extends to mists, dust, vapours, and fibres, along with emerging concerns like nano-particles.
As for the "hazardous" aspect, it's not only about obvious dangers like skin burns or inhalation issues. The risks go beyond that, affecting internal organs, your respiratory system, and even your genetic material. It also includes harm to your eyes, central nervous system, as well as the mouth and nose. Additionally, the hazards could be in the form of combustions or explosions, posing immediate physical dangers.
As someone who runs a business, you have specific duties under COSHH including:
Here are some additional steps you can take to ensure you're on top of your COSHH responsibilities:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) takes violations seriously, but it's not just about avoiding fines; your company's reputation is at stake, too. Injuries or accidents caused due to ignoring COSHH can lead to a loss in productivity and higher employee turnover. On the plus side, following COSHH creates a safer work environment which means healthier employees, less absenteeism, and a more productive workforce. It can also boost your company's image as a responsible employer.
COSHH is thorough but not all-encompassing. Some substances are covered under different UK regulations. For instance, asbestos falls under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, and radioactive substances come under the Ionising Radiations Regulations.
A well-implemented COSHH program not only keeps you compliant but also contributes to a safer, more efficient, and more responsible business. For further information, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provides extensive guidelines and resources on COSHH. Visit HSE COSHH webpage to explore these resources.
Our helpful team can assist you with your COSHH responsibilities. Starting with support to identify hazardous substances in your workplace via thorough risk assessments, to developing a strategic plan tailored to control these risks effectively. We can also provide practical assistance in running training sessions for your staff to educate them on the safe handling of hazardous substances and what to do in case of emergencies. When it comes to maintaining up-to-date documentation, including risk assessments and incident reports, our team can support you here too.
By working with Neathouse Partners, you not only ensure a safer work environment but also achieve compliance with UK regulations, saving both time and resources.