Navigating the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations can be tricky, and many employers, despite their best intentions, still need to pay attention to essential safety requirements. These oversights can lead to serious health risks for workers and costly penalties for businesses.
With various hazardous substances lurking in workplaces, it’s crucial to stay aware of potential violations. Explore the common COSHH violations and some practical tips to improve compliance and keep your workplace safe.
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Common COSHH Violations
- Mishandling of Asbestos: Although asbestos is a familiar hazard, mishandling it remains common. Many employers fail to identify it or don’t follow proper removal procedures. This silent threat can cause severe respiratory diseases, making asbestos awareness vital. Despite regulations requiring regular training and risk assessment, many still neglect proper precautions, endangering both workers and businesses.
- Failure to Supply Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is often treated like an afterthought, but it’s a legal requirement under COSHH. Employers must provide the right gear, such as gloves, masks and protective clothing, to employees working with hazardous substances. Skimping on PPE or failing to maintain it can cause serious health risks to workers.
- Lack of Proper Labelling on Hazardous Substances: Labels are an essential way of communicating danger. Unfortunately, many employers forget to label containers with hazardous substances properly. This makes it harder for employees to know what they’re dealing with and how to handle it safely. A missing or incomplete label is a COSHH violation that’s easily overlooked but vital for workplace safety. Consider commercial labeling systems to avoid such a dangerous situation.
- Inadequate Storage of Hazardous Substances: Hazardous substances can be unpredictable. Storing them incorrectly can lead to leaks, spills or dangerous chemical reactions. Many businesses need to put more thought into how or where these substances are stored. Leaving them in areas prone to heat or mishandling could quickly escalate into a severe issue.
- Insufficient Training for Employees: Employees need proper training to handle hazardous substances safely. But how many businesses actually give their staff comprehensive training? It’s one thing to show them where the chemicals are stored, but do they know how to use them safely? Lack of thorough training is a massive COSHH violation that puts everyone at risk.
- Failure to Monitor Exposure Levels: COSHH regulations require employers to monitor employees’ exposure to hazardous substances. This could mean regular health checks or air quality tests. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t bother with this step or do it infrequently. It’s easy to overlook but critical for ensuring long-term health and safety.
- Inadequate Risk Assessments: Risk assessments are the foundation of COSHH compliance. Yet, many workplaces don’t take them seriously enough. A half-hearted assessment that only ticks boxes isn’t going to cut it. Every hazardous substance should be evaluated thoroughly, with a clear understanding of how it can harm employees. Skipping this step or doing it poorly is a violation that can have severe repercussions.
- Improper Waste Disposal: Disposing of hazardous waste is more complex than tossing it in the bin. Some businesses still take shortcuts when it comes to getting rid of chemicals, paints and other harmful substances. Failing to follow the proper disposal methods can lead to environmental contamination and put people at risk.
- Not Keeping Up-to-Date Safety Data Sheets: Every hazardous substance should come with a safety data sheet (SDS) that outlines how to handle it safely. These sheets should be readily accessible to employees. However, many businesses don’t update or review these sheets regularly, which can lead to outdated information being used in the workplace.
- Poor Ventilation in Work Areas: Many workplaces overlook ventilation as a critical safety measure. Inadequate ventilation can trap harmful fumes or airborne particles, leading to respiratory issues for employees. Ensuring that the work area has proper airflow and ventilation systems is crucial but often needs to be addressed.
Tips to Improve Compliance
- Provide Training and Awareness Online: Employees can only follow the rules if they know them. Online COSHH training is an easy, flexible way to ensure everyone stays up to date. It also makes it easier for employers to keep track of who’s been trained. Training should be more than just a one-off session. Refreshers are necessary to reinforce essential information.
- Conduct Detailed Risk Assessments Regularly: Don’t just do a risk assessment once and forget about it. Schedule regular inspections to identify new risks and ensure compliance. Regular updates ensure nothing slips through the cracks. It’s essential to go beyond the surface, really diving into how substances are used, stored and handled.
- Ensure Proper Labelling and Signage: Every container with hazardous substances should be clearly labelled with the proper warnings and instructions. Add signs in areas where these substances are used to remind employees of the risks and required PPE. Regularly check that labels have yet to fade or be removed.
- Review and Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS): SDSs should be readily available to all employees and kept up to date regularly. They should be reviewed any time a new substance is introduced, or processes change. Everyone should know where to find them and understand how to read them.
- Invest in Adequate Ventilation Systems: Ventilation systems aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity in any workplace handling hazardous substances. Check that your ventilation meets the required standards and consider upgrading it if needed. Keeping the air clean is one of the simplest ways to protect workers.
- Monitor and Record Employee Exposure: Set up a system to regularly monitor employees’ exposure to hazardous substances. This could involve health checks or air quality testing. Keeping detailed records will help you identify trends and respond to potential risks before they become serious problems.
- Store Hazardous Substances Safely: Invest in proper storage cabinets or rooms specifically designed for hazardous substances. Keep them away from areas with high heat or where they might get knocked over. Proper storage is critical to preventing leaks, spills and other dangerous incidents.
- Ensure PPE is Readily Available and Maintained: PPE should be easy to access and well-maintained. Don’t just hand out gloves and masks once and expect them to last forever. Regularly check that the equipment is in good condition and replace any worn-out or damaged items. Having an inventory system can help track usage and condition.
- Implement a Proper Waste Disposal Plan: Set up a clear waste disposal plan that complies with COSHH regulations. This should cover how hazardous waste is collected, stored and disposed of. It’s essential to work with licensed waste disposal services that understand the specific risks of the substances you’re using.
- Regularly Audit Compliance: Be sure to check your COSHH compliance before an accident. Conduct regular internal audits to ensure all protocols are being followed. This can help catch any potential violations before they lead to severe issues. A proactive approach is always better than a reactive one.
Key Takeaway
COSHH compliance is essential for both workplace safety and avoiding legal trouble. Employers should regularly update their risk assessments, provide proper training and ensure all hazardous substances are handled with care. By being proactive—through audits, monitoring and maintaining safety protocols—businesses can avoid these common violations and protect their employees from harm. Safety should always be a top priority.
