Common CoSHH Injuries In The Workplace ⚠️
Posted on February 16th 2026 by Hannah Clark.
Updated on: February 15th 2026.
Explore common CoSHH Injuries In The Workplace, and how implementing the correct equipment can prevent them!
In 2024/25, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 1.9 million workers suffer from work-related ill health. This is primarily due to new or previous exposure to hazardous substances, which can affect individuals later in life with respiratory issues or musculoskeletal disorders. With following CoSHH regulations now being a legal requirement in the UK, it is more important than ever that businesses invest into the health, wellbeing and protection of their workforce.
CoSHH injuries in numbers 📊
The HSE released its annual summary of all the Health and Safety at work statistics back in 2025. They showcase problems in the workplace, allowing for preventative measures to be put into place.
- 11,000 lung disease deaths were due to past exposure to hazardous substances whilst at work
- In 2024/25, there were 59,219 reported non-fatal injuries within the workplace
- 60% of all non-fatal workplace injuries in 2023/24 were due to burns from hazardous substances
- 22,000 workers suffer from breathing and lung problems due to a lack of protection against hazardous substances
- 40.1 million working days were lost in 2024/25 due to work-related illnesses and injuries
How we can help prevent CoSHH injuries 🤔
The top causes of workplace injuries and illnesses are due to chemical spills, poor PPE, and a lack of training. With this in mind, working environments must incorporate training and observations into their routines, as well as ensure high-quality preventative measures are available to minimise the risk of exposure.
Complete CoSHH risk assessments
Not only is this a legal requirement in all UK workplaces now, but completing CoSHH assessments allow for the identification of potential hazards across your entire workplace. This includes any potential hazardous substances you store around your workplace, as well as vapours, gases, and debris generated via manufacturing processes.
After assessments are complete, the right measures can go into place to prevent future illnesses and injuries. As a result, the workforce becomes more productive knowing their safety is a top priority.
Integrate secure CoSHH storage cabinets
Often, CoSHH assessments involve identifying chemicals and other hazardous substances that can cause chemical burns. Therefore, businesses should question whether these chemicals are necessary and carry the correct labels if substitution is not possible.
Once labels are in place, they should go into a secure location. Our CoSHH Cabinet range is perfect for this task, offering a robust steel exterior with a protective powder coat for a bold and lasting colour. Each one comes with an included lock for enhanced security, and a liquid sump that is leak proof prevents any spilt harmful substances from leaving the cupboard.
Our best-selling Hazardous Cabinets meets CoSHH regulations, fire classifications, and is HSG51-complaint. With an adjustable galvanised shelf, you can organise chemicals in a manner that prevents reactions. Additional shelves can also be bought alongside these cupboards.
Invest in Personal Protective Equipment
Some substances hazardous to health cannot have labels because they arise as a side effect of work processes. This includes potential debris, dust, vapour and gases. To minimise the effects of these, we highly recommend investing in high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), designed to protect workers from future illnesses associated with long-term exposure.
To prevent breathing difficulties and potential lung diseases, our range of respiratory protection protects your airways. Our Worksafe® Fold Flat Mask comes in packs of 10, and follow class FFP1. Fitted with an aluminium nose lip, nose liner and adjustable band, this mask is ≥80% effective at blocking out non-toxic dust and water-based aerosols. This makes them great for those working within industrial cleaning and specialised manufacturing facilities.
Prevent CoSHH injuries with drench showers
When chemicals come into contact with skin, it is important to quickly wash the area with cool water for at least 20 minutes. Our range of drench showers can do just that, with the option to install full-body ceiling-mounted drench showers, or targeted eye and face washing stations.
Individuals should brush dry chemicals off the skin before rinsing. Additionally, apply rubbing alcohol to areas exposed to phenol and/or carbolic acid before rinsing.
The Importance of Spill Kits ☣️
Spill kits are an essential piece of gear in the workplace because of their ability to clear up any accidental spillages of hazardous substances. Their design makes them effective at cleaning up chemicals whilst avoiding contact with them. our specialist Land Spill Kit comes with all the components required for an effective clean-up job, including an absorbent sock, safety PPE and a disposable bin for hazardous waste.
When not required, we offer a wide range of SpillZone cupboards. Utilising 0.7mm steel for a robust and long-lasting finish, these cupboards are ideal for storing absorbent sheets, rolls and socks.
The SpillZone Absorbent Station 2 comes fitted with secure storage in the form of a lockable half-door cupboard. The choice of either a cam or latch lock allows for the right security system to be put in place to suit your workplace, preventing unauthorised access. This CoSHH stand is easy to clean using soapy water, helping to maintain its orange and blue vibrant appearance.
CoSHH Injury prevention checklist 📋
✅Complete up-to-date CoSHH assessments on a regular basis
✅Label and store all hazardous substances in a secure and safe manner
✅Train staff in how to deal with exposure to substances and appropriate cleaning methods
✅Ensure spill kit stations and first aid points are fully stocked with in-date products
✅Ensure all PPE is up to standard
Maximise your CoSHH safety measures today! 💙
Ensuring your workplace is compliant with the latest CoSHH regulations is not only a legal requirement, but can also boost workplace productivity. Requirements can differentiate between workplaces, sometimes making it challenging to decide which level of protection would suit your team the best.
Need guidance on how to reduce the risk? Our friendly sales team is here to help! They’re experts in all things CoSHH and ready to support you. Reach out today via live chat, email, or phone to get the advice you need.
