When you think about maintaining workplace safety, many picture hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility jackets. But for businesses that use hazardous substances, safety goes far beyond protective gear—it’s about knowledge and compliance. This is where COSHH regulations come in.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a set of regulations in the UK designed to protect workers and employers from exposure to harmful substances. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, understanding COSHH is critical to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace.
This blog will explore what COSHH regulations are, why they matter, who they affect, and how you can comply with them effectively.
COSHH regulations are a legal framework introduced by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These rules apply to workplaces that use or produce hazardous substances, which could harm people if not managed correctly.
Examples of Hazardous Substances
Businesses often underestimate the range of materials considered hazardous. COSHH covers:
Chemicals: Cleaning products, paints, and solvents.
Dust: Silica dust from construction materials or wood dust from carpentry.
Fumes and Gases: Welding fumes or toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
Biological Agents: Bacteria or viruses that might emerge in medical or laboratory settings.
Other Substances: Certain cosmetic ingredients or naturally occurring toxins in farming and agriculture.
Main Components of COSHH
Under COSHH, employers are required to:
Assess Risks – Identify potentially hazardous substances in the workplace and measure exposure levels.
Implement Control Measures – Minimize exposure by using safer alternatives, adequate protective equipment, or different working methods.
Monitor and Review – Conduct regular audits, workplace checks, and employee reviews to ensure lasting compliance.
Train Employees – Provide education on handling substances safely, including procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
Why Are COSHH Regulations Important?
1. Protect Employee Health
The workplace shouldn’t be a health risk. COSHH ensures employees are not exposed to harmful substances that could cause illnesses like asthma, skin conditions, or even cancer over time. An estimated 12,000 deaths annually in the UK are linked to workplace exposures, underscoring the importance of these regulations. Learn more: COSHH regulations explained.
2. Avoid Legal Repercussions
Compliance isn’t optional—noncompliance comes with hefty penalties. Businesses found violating COSHH regulations can face fines, lawsuits, or even closure. Additionally, a failure to follow the rules can severely damage your company’s reputation.
3. Boost Workplace Morale and Productivity
When employees feel safe and cared for, morale improves. Healthy workers are also more likely to stay productive and engaged. Adopting COSHH guidelines demonstrates your commitment to their well-being, fostering a culture of trust.
4. Environmental Responsibility
Many hazardous substances don’t just harm people—they harm the planet. COSHH compliance helps businesses manage waste and emissions responsibly, reducing their environmental footprint.
Who Do COSHH Regulations Apply To?
COSHH regulations impact a wide range of industries, including (but not limited to):
Construction and Manufacturing
Healthcare and Laboratories
Beauty and Cosmetology
Agriculture and Food Production
Hospitality and Cleaning Services
Employers in these industries must take extra care in understanding and applying COSHH rules to their unique circumstances.
How to Comply with COSHH Regulations in Your Workplace
Step 1 – Conduct a Risk Assessment
Start by listing every hazardous substance used in your workplace. Identify:
What is the substance used for?
The health risks it poses (e.g., inhalation, skin contact, ingestion).
How workers are exposed to it and for how long.
This forms the foundation for implementing controls. You can use tools like the HSE’s COSHH essentials for guidance.
Step 2 – Use Control Measures Effectively
Implement control measures to reduce or eliminate hazards. Options include:
Substitution – Replace a hazardous chemical with a safer alternative.
Ventilation Systems – Install local exhausts to remove harmful fumes.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Provide gloves, masks, and goggles tailored to the risk.
Document all control measures in a centralized file for easy monitoring.
Step 3 – Train Your Team
Employees must understand COSHH regulations relevant to their work. Provide ongoing training that equips them to:
Handle hazardous substances safely.
Read safety data sheets (SDS).
Respond quickly in emergencies, like spills or accidental exposure.
Consider online learning platforms or professional trainers for accessible education.
Step 4 – Maintain and Review
Set a schedule for routine checks and updates. COSHH compliance is not “one and done.” New materials, updated legislation, or changes to processes may necessitate a fresh assessment.
Examples of COSHH in Action
Still finding it hard to envision how COSHH applies? Here are two practical examples:
Example 1 – A Cleaning Company
Hazards Identified: Strong cleaning agents containing bleach and ammonia.
Controls Implemented:
Substituting tougher chemicals for gentler, non-toxic cleaners where possible.
Providing employees with gloves and eye protection.
Educating workers on never mixing bleach and ammonia due to toxic gas production.
Example 2 – A Woodworking Workshop
Hazards Identified: Dust generated from sanding wood.
Controls Implemented:
Installing exhaust ventilation systems to capture airborne dust particles.
Supplying workers with facemasks to protect their lungs.
Conducting regular health screenings for long-term impacts like respiratory issues.
Taking the Next Steps Toward Compliance
Understanding and implementing COSHH regulations isn’t just about checking legal boxes—it’s about fostering a safe, productive, and caring work environment. It’s proof that your business values both its employees and the broader community.
If you’re unsure where to begin, the Health and Safety Executive’s website offers free resources to help you get started. Alternatively, consider hiring a workplace safety consultant to guide you through the process.
By taking action today, you will enhance the safety and satisfaction of your workforce and future-proof your company in an increasingly regulated world. Read more here & Thank you.
