Increased Scrutiny on Hazardous Substances in Food Environments

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has intensified its focus on the UK's food manufacturing and service sectors, issuing a renewed call for strict adherence to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. This urgent directive comes in response to a noticeable upward trend in reported incidents involving hazardous substances within the food industry. These incidents have led to occupational ill-health and, in some cases, serious injury to workers.

While the food sector is often primarily associated with biological hazards and food hygiene, the HSE's recent emphasis serves as a critical reminder that COSHH compliance is equally vital. Cleaning agents, disinfectants, pest control chemicals, and even naturally occurring substances like flour dust can pose significant health risks to workers if not properly managed.

Persistent Challenges and Enforcement Actions

Preliminary data from the HSE indicates a concerning increase in reports filed under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) related to exposure to hazardous materials in food production environments. Analysis of recent HSE prosecution data reveals a trend of increased enforcement actions and substantial fines levied against businesses failing to manage hazardous substances effectively. For example, a manufacturing company was fined £200,000 in 2022 after an employee developed occupational asthma due to inadequate control of sensitising agents. The HSE's 'Health and safety statistics for Great Britain, 2022' report highlighted that an estimated 1.8 million working people suffered from work-related ill health in 2022/23, with new or long-standing breathing or lung problems accounting for 13,000 cases, many of which can be attributed to inadequate COSHH controls.

Common COSHH hazards in the food sector include caustic detergents, sanitisers, acids, and alkalis used for cleaning and disinfection. Improper handling, inadequate ventilation, or a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) can result in skin burns, respiratory problems, and eye injuries. The HSE is currently conducting inspections at large bakeries across Great Britain, specifically checking that employers are protecting workers from the dangers of dusty ingredients, such as flour dust, which is a common cause of occupational asthma.

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Key Areas for Business Focus and Compliance

The HSE stresses that employers must conduct thorough COSHH risk assessments to identify all hazardous substances, evaluate the risks they pose, determine who might be harmed and how, and assess the likelihood and severity of harm. This assessment should be regularly reviewed, especially when processes change or new substances are introduced. The HSE's renewed focus aims to ensure employers are actively implementing robust control measures, including suitable ventilation, appropriate PPE, and comprehensive employee training.

  • Risk Assessment: Businesses must identify all hazardous substances used or generated and assess the risks.
  • Control Measures: Implement effective controls following the hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls (like local exhaust ventilation), administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort.
  • Training and Supervision: Ensure all employees handling hazardous substances receive adequate training and ongoing supervision.
  • Health Surveillance: For workers exposed to certain dusty ingredients, health surveillance should be in place.

The HSE's message is clear: COSHH compliance is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a fundamental pillar of workplace safety, directly impacting employee health and business continuity. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and prosecution.

For businesses seeking to enhance their understanding and compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH, Abertay Training offers comprehensive training and consultancy services. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.