Every year exposure to hazardous substances at work affects the health of many thousands of people. Common examples include lung disease (e.g. dusty conditions), skin irritation, dermatitis or skin cancer (e.g. frequent contact with oils, contact with corrosive liquids), occupational asthma (e.g. sensitisation to isocyanates in paints or adhesives), toxic fumes, occupational cancer etc. The high costs of ill-health arise from loss of earnings, loss of productivity, prosecution and civil action amongst others.
The COSHH Regulations (2002) provide a framework to help protect people in the workplace against health risks from hazardous substances. The substances may be used directly in the work (e.g. cleaning chemicals, chemical reagents) or may arise from the work (e.g. dusts, fumes and waste products). COSHH requires the following:
- assessment of the risks
- deciding what precautions are needed
- prevention or control of the risks
- ensuring that control measures are used and maintained
- monitoring exposure and health surveillance, where necessary
- informing, instructing and training employees about the risks and precautions needed
For further information please consult COSHH: A brief guide to the Regulations - What you need to know about the Control of Substances - Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (pdf 817kb).