Risk Assessments and COSHH Regulations

The Importance of Risk Assessments

When conducting risk assessments, it's crucial to understand their significance:

• Not Just Paperwork: Risk assessments are more than just paperwork.
• Preventing Ill Health: They aim to prevent ill health by taking sensible precautions.
• Assessing Exposure: Knowing how workers are exposed and to what extent is essential.

COSHH Regulations Compliance

The COSHH Regulations outline the responsibilities of employers:

• Risk Assessment Requirement: Employers must assess risks and adequately control them.
• Task Variability: Risk levels vary based on the task and exposure to harmful substances.
• Record-Keeping: Recording assessments is mandatory for employers with five or more employees.

Control Measures and Resources

Implementing effective control measures and accessing resources:

• Identifying Measures: Determine necessary control measures and their implementation timeline.
• Examples and Guidance: Utilize HSE's website for industry-specific risk assessment examples.
• Online Tool: Access the free internet tool, coshh-essentials.org.uk, for control practice identification.
• Professional Assistance: Seek advice from suppliers, trade associations, or professional sources for complex assessments.