To raise awareness for the Safety and Health at Work campaign, we’ve put together some tips to help you safely manage the chemicals in your workplace.
The 2018 European week for safety and health at work focuses on hazardous substances within the workplace so, for our third instalment this week, we’ve put together some best practice tips on how to help you safely manage the chemicals in your place of work.
1. Adopt a systemised approach to chemical management
By taking a systemised approach, you can manage hazardous substances effectively and, consequently, protect your staff.
A digital COSHH management system is easier to maintain and update in line with legislative changes than a traditional paper-based or ad-hoc system. Both these outdated ways of working take up valuable staff time and, in turn, negatively affect business efficiency.
Using innovative software solutions for chemical management will enable you to improve the productivity of your operational teams and, through robust audit trails, demonstrate compliance. COSHH assessments can be created quickly and easily using software generated templates, enabling you to share risk assessments with staff and manage your COSHH requirements safely.
To ensure you effectively identify and manage chemical risks in the workplace, consider our COSHH management software.
2. Implement regular workplace monitoring services
While it is not possible to remove all risks, you can significantly reduce chemical safety hazards in the workplace by implementing regular workplace monitoring.
COSHH management is a process that needs to be monitored regularly. This approach helps to identify and reduce the risks which may result from changes in the way substances are used, or increased exposure to chemicals, so it’s essential to review all control measures regularly.
2017 statistics from the HSE revealed that every year 13,000 deaths in the UK are linked to occupational exposure to harmful substances. Through air quality monitoring, LEV testing, HAV monitoring and noise monitoring, you can safeguard your employees from work-related illness, as well as adequately control exposure to dangerous chemicals.
3. Ensure staff are trained to deal with hazardous substances
Training for employees who work with substances hazardous to health is essential. All employees need to be aware of the potential hazards and risks that may arise, understand workplace exposure limits, and know how to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) states that failure to provide sufficient training can put your employees’ health at risk, therefore it is your responsibility to ensure you inform, train and supervise your staff adequately.
Our COSHH courses can help you keep your staff safe and healthy when handling hazardous substances in the workplace by providing in-depth training from practising consultants.
Protect your employees from harmful chemicals with Eco Online Sypol
By implementing the following tips, you can help create a safer and healthier environment for employees who are directly exposed to hazardous chemicals. Contact us for further information on our software, services and training.