No one wants to feel unsafe in their workplace, whether this is through the use of machinery, tools, equipment or your chemicals. Within your workplace, not all threats of safety can be the most obvious, many coming from hazardous substances like cleaning products, smoke fumes etc. With the right safety regulations, these sorts of hazards can be easily controlled and monitored. That is why COSHH risk assessments are crucial for any business where hazardous substances can be found.
The control of substances that are hazardous to health known as COSHH is a law to ensure that workplaces in your industry are safe for yourself and your workforce. These substances can either be used or produced within the workplace, so learning how to manage them should be a top priority in the safety of your working environment. Your workforce could be exposed to harmful chemicals in many different ways including:
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Skin contact
- Contact with eyes
- Skin punctures
Preventing risks
Preventing the risks associated with the exposure of hazardous substances can be implemented in your workplace by undertaking thorough risk assessments. By ensuring that your workplace is compliant, you will be adding steps and measures that will educate your employees through instruction and training. This means that the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals is further decreased. And, along with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory equipment (RPE), you can take steps to fully safeguard your workforce from occupational harm, which in turn protects your business from the hefty fines associated with non-compliance.
In 2020/21 in the UK it is thought that up to 441,000 people sustained at work injuries as well as approximately 12,000 Lung disease deaths each year that are linked to past substance exposures in the workplace.
With 44% resulting from Lung Cancer and the other 33% from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), some of these workplace health problems could have been prevented with the correct regulation compliance.
The Safety First way
Safety First Group is passionate about the safety of your workplace.
Our COSHH Risk Assessments are performed by experienced risk assessors so you can be reassured that your workplace becomes COSHH compliant. Additionally, your employees will benefit from processes that protect them from harm due to hazardous substances.
Benefits of COSHH risk assessment:
- COSHH compliance
- Improved understanding of Health and Safety legal requirements within your working environment.
- Heightened productivity
- Reduction in fines for non-compliance
All of which give you peace of mind that your COSHH regulations are up to date and fully compliant with the HSE.
Need to know more about COSHH compliance with Safety First? You can learn more here or send an enquiry.
