Health & Safety Risk Management System

H03 - COSHH

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Every year exposure to hazardous substances at work affects the health of thousands of people. Frequently reported illnesses are:

  • Lung disease (dusty conditions)
  • Skin irritation
  • Dermatitis or skin cancer (frequent contact with oils, contact with corrosive liquids)
  • Occupational asthma (sensitisation to isocyanates in paints or adhesives), and
  • Occupational cancer.

Employers are obligated to protect workers and others who may be exposed to hazardous substances. The high costs of ill health arise from loss of earnings, loss of productivity, prosecution and civil action amongst others.

There are many hazardous substances in use in industry today therefore it is essential to ensure first of all that those being used are absolutely necessary, and that there are no safer alternatives. Secondly it is vital that employees and the environment are protected from the effects of these substances by the use of training and appropriate protective measures. The COSHH Procedure is a comprehensible guide for responsible managers which will enable them to meet all the requirements of the COSHH Regulations 2004.