What you need to know
In a workplace there are often substances and chemicals used which can be hazardous and pose risks to health. It is a legal requirement under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) to identify potential hazards and risks and minimize their potential to cause harm or ill-health.
It is the employer’s responsibility to put measures in place to control the exposure and protect health. If you have five or more employees you must record your assessment however with less than five it is still advisable to note how your risks are controlled.
Harm from substances can come from:
Fumes (generated substances)
Dust and vapours (naturally created substances)
Chemical, cement, concrete, solvent, and gases, etc.
Dust and fumes can cause lung diseases; chemicals and prolonged contact with wet cement can lead to chemical burns and skin conditions; wet- work such as cleaning and catering can cause dermatitis and so can flowers, fruits, vegetables and bulbs. Other substances which can be harmful in the workplace include ink, glue, detergent and lubricant. Some diseases may take years to develops so the damage is not seen instantly.
Although many substances can cause ill-health this is preventable, as when used properly these substances rarely cause any harm.
Once these substances are identified the potential for risk needs to be assessed and controlled. If you have five or more employees you must record your assessment however with less than five it is still advisable to go through these steps and note how your risks are controlled.
Consider the following:
- Which substances are harmful? – check data sheets that come with chemicals, check HSE website pages for details of substances your trade may use and your supplier or product manufacturer for more information
- How is it harmful, how might there be exposure? – breathing in gas, fumes; skin or eye contact; skin puncture or swallowing?
- What control measures are needed to prevent risk? – methods of working how substance is used, when and where; control equipment such as PPE; training and supervision for safe use.
COSHH Assessments give some valuable benefits to both employers and employees including:
m Makes your business safer for your employees: –
COSHH Assessment helps to evaluate the health risk of workers by considering substance potential, exposure’s extent, and intensity with the probability of it.
m Develops industrial advantage: –
If your organization has an effective strategy of COSHH Assessment, then you will get an obvious chance to gain a lead over your competitor. Developing your commercial business performance also helps to save the substantial resource that can be re-invested in other areas.
m Protects company reputation and professional status: –
In the workplace accidents occurring which could have been prevented can damage a company’s reputations or credibility which can deter potential employees or clients. COSHH Assessment reduces the chance of accidents and knock-on effects to conduct your business more ethically.
m Improves productivity: –
In the workplace, health and safety should be the only priority for both employees and employers. The COSHH Assessment gives assurance to the employees that you are aware of their health protection. As a result, workers feel valued, comfortable, and safe from the risk of hazardous substances and work more confidently and productively.
m Maintains high standards of health and safety: –
COSHH Assessment monitors whether your control measures are effective or not leading to improvements where needed which are beneficial to your business overall.
If not completed properly improvement notices or cautions can be given. For support on COSHH Assessment from our experts please contact or email us, we are always happy to assist you.
info@stylecontractorsolutions.co.uk
0333 772 9597