HSE IS CRACKING DOWN ON BREACHES OF COSHH REGULATIONS: ARE YOU PREPARED?

Inadequate risk assessments, poor exposure controls, insufficient training… 

These are just a few breaches the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has uncovered during recent enforcement activity on the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).

In recent months, HSE has doubled down its focus on COSHH regulations, specifically to do with respiratory sensitisers like flour dust, wood dust, and grain dust.

With targeted inspections set to take place across various sectors, failing to take COSHH compliance seriously could lead to penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage for businesses – as well as serious health risks for employees.

Are you prepared for the latest COSHH enforcement crackdown?

Here, we’ll cover all you need to know to help you make sure your business is fully prepared and compliant.

WHY COSHH COMPLIANCE IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In May 2026, HSE announced that it’s stepping up its focus on COSHH regulations.

Since then, there’s been an increase in enforcement notices, corporate fines, and criminal prosecutions linked to COSHH breaches in the UK.

This includes the first ever prohibition notice being served against an occupational health service provider – a landmark moment.

The latest crackdown actively targets compliance gaps in high-risk sectors like manufacturing, chemical processing, and food production, with a particular focus on respiratory sensitisers. 

These are substances that can cause allergic reactions in the airways when inhaled, leading to occupational asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Common COSHH failings uncovered during recent enforcement activity include:

• Lack of exposure monitoring
• Insufficient employee training
• Poor storage and handling procedures 
• Incomplete or outdated COSHH assessments 
• Missing or inaccessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 
• Inadequate control measures and PPE management 

Not only can COSHH breaches like these lead to enforcement notices and prosecution. Failure to address them can also result in operational disruption, reputational damage, and, most importantly, preventable harm to workers.

WHY THE LATEST COSHH CRACKDOWN MATTERS

The latest COSHH enforcement effort is about more than just ticking boxes when it comes to compliance.

HSE estimates that there are 11,000 lung disease deaths every year linked to past exposures at work.

Respiratory sensitisers play a big role here, as even low levels of exposure can trigger severe symptoms.

Common industries where workers are at risk include:

• Food manufacturing (flour dust)
• Healthcare (latex, glutaraldehyde)
• Construction (wood dust, isocyanates)
• Manufacturing (isocyanates in paints and foams)
• Agriculture and farming (animal dander, grain dust)
• Chemical processing (isocyanates, acid anhydrides)

HSE’s new enforcement drive is all about reducing the incidence of occupational lung disease, including asthma, caused by respiratory sensitisers across UK industries. After all, prevention is key.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HSE DURING THE COSHH ENFORCEMENT CRACKDOWN

As part of HSE’s renewed focus on COSHH enforcement, they’re going to carry out targeted inspections across sectors that are known to use respiratory sensitisers.

Inspectors will be looking to see that:

• Risks and safety procedures are clearly communicated to your workforce
• Appropriate health surveillance programmes are in place where they’re needed
• Control measures are properly implemented and maintained, especially LEV systems
• Employees working with hazardous substances have adequate training and supervision
• There’s a robust COSHH risk assessment in place that specifically addresses respiratory sensitisers 

If it’s found to be in breach of COSHH regulations, your business could face enforcement action. 

This could range from improvement notices and prohibition notices to significant fines and potential imprisonment.

ARE YOU FULLY PREPARED AND COSHH COMPLIANT?

The recent COSHH enforcement drive is a valuable reminder for all businesses to review their COSHH compliance – especially relating to respiratory sensitisers.

But it’s not just about ticking boxes.

HSE encourages businesses to take a risk-based approach to COSHH substances to make sure workers are fully protected.

This should start with a COSHH risk assessment that outlines the hazardous substances and risks present in your workplace, with specific mention of respiratory sensitisers.

Our risk assessment template can start you off on the right foot.

Ultimately, being proactive about COSHH regulations is about more than simply ensuring legal compliance. It’s about safeguarding your employees’ long-term health and creating a more productive workforce.

YOUR COSHH COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Make sure you’re ready for the enforcement crackdown with this COSHH checklist covering the core compliance principles.

COSHH RISK ASSESSMENT

• Identify hazardous substances
• Assess what risks they present
• Pinpoint who might be harmed and how

CONTROL MEASURES

Put appropriate control measures in place, following the hierarchy of controls:

• Elimination
• Substitution
• Engineering controls (such as LEV)
• Administrative controls
• PPE

MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING

• Organise statutory examinations for LEV systems
• Make sure control measures are properly maintained
• Make sure that control measures are regularly checked

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

• Provide appropriate training
• Provide employees with clear information about the risks they may face
• Give employees clear instruction on the control measures they must follow

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

• Implement a suitable health surveillance programme where relevant
• Identify any employees who have had exposure to respiratory sensitisers

HOW WE HELP YOU MEET COSHH REGULATIONS

At SMI, we supply the products you need to improve safety and compliance across your workplace – including when it comes to hazardous substances.

Our solutions include:

• PPE
• Chemical spill kits
• First aid kits and refills
• Eyewash solutions and stations
• Hazardous substance signs and labels
• COSHH and hazardous storage cabinets

But that’s not all. 

We also act as a trusted source of information where you can check that products meet industry standards and get the documentation you need.

Take our cleaning chemicals range, for example. Products are listed together with relevant EN standards, product datasheets, and COSHH Safety Data Sheets (SDS). So, you can make an informed purchasing decision with all the information you need in one central place.

If you need any extra guidance, our dedicated account managers are all sector experts who can offer bespoke compliance support.

Ultimately, we’re more than just a supplier. We’re a true supply partner that helps you put safety and compliance first, at every stage of your procurement journey.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE FULLY COSHH AWARE AND COMPLIANT

The latest COSHH enforcement crackdown should serve as a valuable reminder to review your COSHH risk assessment and make sure you’re protecting your workers as well as you can be.

Need help making your setting a safer place with COSHH in mind?

Our sector experts can help recommend the right products for your needs or point you in the direction of best practices for your setting.

Get in touch for support and guidance.