HSE Intensifies Focus on COSHH Compliance in UK Food Sector

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a renewed call for vigilance within the UK's food manufacturing and catering industries, following a notable increase in prosecutions related to breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. This heightened enforcement activity underscores the critical importance of effective risk management concerning hazardous substances in food preparation and production environments.

Data from the HSE indicates a consistent trend of non-compliance, with particular concerns raised over inadequate risk assessments, insufficient control measures, and a lack of proper training for employees handling cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and other potentially harmful substances. The food sector, by its nature, relies heavily on a range of chemicals for hygiene, pest control, and processing, making robust COSHH management indispensable for worker safety and public health.

Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson for the HSE stated, "The food sector presents unique challenges for COSHH compliance due to the diverse array of chemicals used and the often fast-paced work environments. Our recent enforcement actions reflect our commitment to ensuring that businesses protect their employees from the risks posed by hazardous substances. We are seeing too many instances where basic precautions are overlooked, leading to preventable injuries and illnesses."

Key COSHH Risks in the Food Industry

The food sector encounters a broad spectrum of hazardous substances, each posing distinct risks. Understanding these is the first step towards effective control:

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Agents: Many industrial-strength cleaners, sanitisers, and disinfectants contain corrosive or irritant chemicals such as caustic soda, chlorine-based compounds, or strong acids. Inhalation of vapours, skin contact, or accidental ingestion can lead to severe burns, respiratory issues, or poisoning.
  • Flour Dust and Other Foodstuffs: While often overlooked, fine dusts from flour, spices, and other food ingredients can act as respiratory sensitizers, leading to occupational asthma. The HSE has long highlighted flour dust as a significant cause of occupational asthma in bakers and food manufacturers.
  • Fumes from Cooking and Frying: High-temperature cooking, especially deep-fat frying, can produce hazardous fumes and vapours that may irritate the respiratory system and eyes.
  • Refrigerants: Ammonia and other refrigerants used in large-scale food storage and processing can be highly toxic or asphyxiating in the event of a leak.
  • Pest Control Chemicals: Pesticides and insecticides used to maintain hygiene can be extremely hazardous if not handled and applied strictly according to safety guidelines.

The HSE emphasises that employers have a legal duty under COSHH to assess the risks, implement control measures, and provide information, instruction, and training to employees. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment.

The Importance of Robust Risk Assessments and Control Measures

Effective COSHH compliance begins with a thorough risk assessment. This involves identifying all hazardous substances in the workplace, understanding their risks, and determining who might be harmed and how. Following this, appropriate control measures must be implemented, following the "hierarchy of controls":

  1. Elimination: Can the hazardous substance be removed entirely?
  2. Substitution: Can a less hazardous substance be used instead?
  3. Engineering Controls: Can physical changes to the workplace or equipment reduce exposure (e.g., local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems)?
  4. Administrative Controls: Can safe systems of work, such as written procedures, reduced exposure times, or good housekeeping, minimise risk?
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As a last resort, providing appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respirators) is crucial, but it should not be relied upon as the primary control measure.

Recent HSE prosecution statistics reveal that many cases stem from failures in implementing these basic control measures. For example, in 2022/23, there were 109 cases prosecuted for COSHH breaches across all sectors, with a significant proportion linked to inadequate ventilation or failure to provide suitable PPE. While specific food sector figures for prosecutions are not always disaggregated, the overall trend points to a need for greater diligence.

Training and Competence: A Cornerstone of COSHH Safety

A critical component often highlighted in HSE enforcement notices is the lack of adequate training. Employees handling hazardous substances must be fully aware of the risks, safe handling procedures, emergency protocols, and the correct use and maintenance of control measures and PPE. This training should be ongoing and refreshed regularly, especially when new substances are introduced or procedures change.

The HSE's "Work-related respiratory disease statistics Great Britain 2023" report continues to show thousands of new cases of occupational lung disease each year, with substances like flour dust, grain dust, and cleaning chemicals being significant contributors. This reinforces the need for comprehensive training and supervision to prevent long-term health impacts.

Businesses are urged to review their COSHH policies and procedures proactively. Engaging with competent health and safety professionals can help identify gaps and ensure compliance with the latest regulations and best practices. Investing in proper training and equipment is not just a legal obligation; it is an investment in the health and safety of employees and the long-term sustainability of the business.

For businesses seeking to enhance their COSHH compliance and ensure their staff receive comprehensive training, Abertay Training offers a range of accredited health and safety courses. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.