Workplaces can be very dangerous places and the risk of accident from hazardous substances is high. The effects of exposure to hazardous substances can range from mild eye irritation to chronic lung disease or even death on occasion.
Hazardous substances are not only found in chemical laboratories. They can be found in almost all work environments such as shops, factories, farms and even offices. To protect workers there are The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
A "substance" is defined as meaning a natural or artificial substance whether in solid or liquid form or in the form of a gas or vapour. This also includes micro-organisms.
Substances can be those used directly in work activities such as paints, cleaning substances etc. They can also be substances generated during work activities such as fumes from grinding or paint stripping. They also include naturally occurring substances such as dust.
There are however some exclusions and substances such as asbestos and lead are subject to their own regulations.
Every employer is under a duty to identify the hazardous substances present in the workplace and they should also consider the risk these substances present to the health of the workforce.
This can be done by way of risk assessments. If significant risks are identified then the employers must take action to remove or reduce them to acceptable levels.
The employers must ensure that all steps are taken to avoid exposure to hazardous substances. If this is not possible then the exposure must be adequately controlled.
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 construction site managers also have a duty to provide suitable and sufficient washing facilities including showers.
If suitable and sufficient washing facilities have not been provided and this has caused injury or exacerbated a pre-existing or underlying injury to a worker then construction site managers have not complied with their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and have failed in their duties to ensure employees safety.
If you have been involved in an accident or have been affected by a hazardous substance then you may be eligible for compensation.
For more information see Control of Substances Hazardous to Health