Understanding COSHH: A Complete Guide for Businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently issued updated guidance on the importance of controlling hazardous substances in the workplace. These reminders are especially relevant to the construction industry, where workers are often exposed to harmful dust, fumes, chemicals, and solvents.

Complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations is not only a legal duty but also a vital part of safeguarding employees' long-term health and ensuring a safe, productive workplace.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. These UK regulations require employers to control substances that could be harmful to health, including:

• Chemicals and solvents
• Fumes, dust, vapours, and gases
• Biological agents such as bacteria and viruses

Exposure to these substances can lead to a range of health problems, from skin conditions and asthma to repiratory diseases and even cancer.

In construction, common examples include:

• Asbestos
• Silica dust from cutting, grinding, or sanding
• Cement dust and bitumen
• Solvents, adhesives, and paints
• Diesel exhaust fumes

Why COSHH Matters?

Failure to comply with COSHH can have severe consequences:

• Health risks for employees- respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, long-term diseases
• Legal and financial penalties- fines, enforcement action, and compensation claims
• Reputational damage- loss of trust, contracts, and business opportunities

A recent HSE case illustrates this risk: a chemical company was fined £100,000 after a worker suffered severe burns from a faulty steam hose. Inadequate maintenance and poor safety measures were to blame- highlighting why COSHH compliance is non-negotiable.

Employer Responsibilities Under COSHH

Employers must take a structured approach to managing hazardous substances. This includes:

1. Risk Assessment- Identify hazardous substances, understand how exposure happens, and evaluate the risks.
2. Control Measures- Eliminate hazardous substances where possible- or substitute with safer alternatives. Use engineering controls (e.g., local exhuast ventiliation) and provide safe storage solutions.
3. PPE- Where risks cannot be controlled otherwise, supply appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, gloves, and goggles.
4. Training & Information- Ensure workers know the risks, understand how to use controls safely, and are aware of emergency procedures. Raeburn Training can arrange both classroom based or online training, based on your teams requirements. Get in touch for more information.
5. Monitoring & Health Surveillance- Regularly review exposure levels and carry out health checks where needed.
6. Maintenance & Records- Keep equipment in good working order, log risk assessments, training, and monitoring activites.
7. Emergency Preparedness- Have plans in place for spills, leaks, or accidents.

The Role of Training

Training is central to effective COSHH management. Workers need to:

• Understand the risks of the substances they handle.
• Know how to use protective measures and equipment properly.
• Be prepared for emergencies.

Employers should tailor training to their specific workplace and update it regularly. Ongoing refresher courses help ensure safety standards remain high and that businesses stay compliant with HSE requirements.

Best Practices for Businesses

To build a strong safety culture and meet COSHH obligations:

• Clearly label all hazardous substances with the correct hazard symbols
• Keep an up-to-date COSHH register of all materials
• Regularly review and refresh risk assessments
• Ensure PPE is available, maintained, and used correctly
• Involve employees in safety discussions and encourage reporting of hazards

Conclusion

Managing COSHH risks is a shared responsibility. By assessing hazards, implementing controls, and providing proper training, businesses can not only comply with the law but also protect their most valuable asset: their people.

A safe workplace boosts productivity, reduces absences, and builds trust between employers and employees.

Are you COSHH compliant? Now is the perfect time to review your workplace procedures and ensure your business meets all the required standards. If you are not sure where to start, our Health and Safety Consultants are here to help.