HSE to inspect businesses that work with wood?

If your business works with wood, then you will be interested to know that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) are inspecting woodworking businesses to ensure dutyholders have effective controls in place to keep workers safe and protect their respiratory health.

To show how important this is, below is an extract from the HSE:

Managing health risks in the woodworking sector
Each year, around 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases linked to past exposure to hazardous substances at work.

This includes inhalation of wood-dust that can cause occupational asthma and, in the case of hardwoods, sino nasal cancer. These deaths are preventable if exposure to the risks is effectively controlled.   

Inspectors will check that woodwork is planned correctly to minimise risk; and that adequate control measures are in place to protect workers’ health.

Through our inspections of a variety of woodworking businesses, we are highlighting the risks of occupational asthma and the devastating impact lung disease has on workers’ lives.  

If you have concerns around the Health and Safety regulations for your workplace, speak to our risk specialist Keith Marlow, for guidance.

 Last year our claims team handled over 1,500 claims on behalf of clients PPE Regulations changed from the 6th April