COSHH Risk Assessment Services

The importance of COSHH risk assessments

People are exposed to substances every day but there are certain professions that are more at risk of being exposed to a hazardous substance than others, for example, dusty or fume-laden environments, quarries, metal finishers and woodworking factories.

Hazardous substances are supplied and stored materials, process ingredients, maintenance substances, or the finished product or by-products.

To prevent and reduce harm or ill health to people that work with or around hazardous substances, regular assessments and awareness training must take place.

What is COSHH?

The COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) regulations 2002 requires that the risks of all hazardous substances in the workplace are evaluated, whether they be liquid, gas, dust, vapour, nanomaterials or microbiological organisms.

Failure to comply with health and safety compliance is serious. In 2016/2017, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued 11,913 notices, prosecuted 554 cases, and issued £69.9 million worth of fines following a conviction.

To prevent and reduce harm or ill health to people that work with or around hazardous substances, regular assessments must take place.

IOM’s occupational hygienists and highly-qualified analysts are fully trained to carry out COSHH monitoring and risk assessments, including LEV inspection and testing. Contact our team directly to find out more about COSHH risk assessments and arrange one for your workplace.

How our experts can help:

  • Preparation of COSHH risk assessments.
  • Train and guide staff to conduct COSHH risk assessments.
  • Determine whether exposures are effectively prevented or adequately controlled.
  • Consider exposure monitoring and health surveillance.
  • Make recommendations and provide supportive guidance information.
  • Identify and provide awareness training for relevant employees.

13,000 deaths each year are estimated to be linked to past exposures at work primarily to chemicals or dust in the UK. Source: HSE