Firms warned to protect against dangerous substances

Categories: Engineering Health and Safety | Construction Health and Safety | Manufacturing Health and Safety |


Firms warned to protect against dangerous substances Companies are being warned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure that they suitably protect workers against dangerous substances.

The move comes after the body prosecuted a company for using hazardous and illegal material and failing to give employees suitable workwear.

Dorothy Shaw, HSE principal inspector, said that it was the primary duty of bosses and companies to ensure that they do not expose their staff to unnecessary risks.

She commented: "Where prevention is not reasonably practical employers have a secondary duty to control exposure by using appropriate work processes, systems and controls and the use of suitable work equipment."

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires companies to guarantee workers a safe environment in which to do their jobs. Any risks that they are exposed to must be fully assessed and completely necessary.

Once assessed they can be minimised by the provision of personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, spill kits or hearing protection.
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