Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a law that requires employers to regulate and monitor potentially hazardous substances.
The focus of the law is to encourage businesses, regardless of size or industry, to consider the potential risks that the hazardous substances they use may pose and to develop procedures to minimise those risks. COSHH governs a diverse set of industries, such as agriculture, hairdressing and woodworking, and helps ensure that businesses are more accountable for their safety practices and training.
As a part of the COSHH, the HSE has developed COSHH Essentials, documents that provide businesses with additional guidance on safety. The documents, referred to as ‘control guidance sheets’, are divided into two groups: industry-specific ‘direct advice sheets’ and ‘generic control guidance sheets’. A business that may be unfamiliar with how to properly handle, use or store a particular hazardous substance can access the direct advice sheets to gain a better understanding of the chemical.
COSHH materials provide businesses with the following benefits:
- Improved quality of safety schemes and training for employees
- Reduced costs associated with hazardous substances-related accidents and fines for not providing adequate protection for employees
- A display of your business’ commitment to safety and the quality of workplace for your employees, investors and the public
If you would like to learn more about the materials provided in the COSHH Essentials, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/index.htm
