The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations require employers to take specific measures to minimise risks and protect employees. Historically, managing CoSHH compliance has been a time-consuming and paper-heavy process. However, digital CoSHH solutions are transforming how organisations approach this critical responsibility, making it easier for employees to make safer choices in their day-to-day tasks.
Understanding CoSHH
The CoSHH regulations are designed to control the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. These substances can range from chemicals and dust to biological agents that could harm health. Employers are responsible for conducting risk assessments, implementing controls, and providing relevant training and information to employees.
Despite its importance, CoSHH compliance can be challenging to maintain. Traditional methods often involve manual documentation, which can be difficult to keep up-to-date and accessible. This lack of readily available information can leave employees unaware of the risks they face and the precautions they should take.
The role of digital CoSHH Assessment solutions
Digital CoSHH solutions address many of the challenges associated with traditional compliance methods. Here are several ways these solutions support safer decision-making:
Centralised access to information
Digital platforms allow employees to quickly access safety data sheets (SDS) and risk assessments for the substances they work with. Riskex’s CoSHH Assessment software provides centralised access to SDS and CoSHH risk assessments, ensuring employees are informed about potential hazards and necessary protective measures before starting tasks. Additionally, users can see precisely where substances are used within specific areas, helping to manage risks more effectively.
Real-time updates
Keeping CoSHH information current is critical for ensuring safety. Enabling easy updates to SDS, procedures, and risk assessments and ensuring employees always have the most accurate information is vital. Automated reminders and alerts also help organisations stay compliant by notifying them when reviews or updates are due.
Tailored guidance
AssessNET’s CoSHH software provides role-specific or task-specific guidance. This tailored approach helps employees understand how hazards relate to their duties, reducing ambiguity. The ability to create only the parts of an SDS that are relevant to a specific CoSHH process also saves time while maintaining clarity.
Streamlined risk assessments
Riskex’s CoSHH software offers standardised and custom CoSHH risk assessment templates that link directly with safety data sheets. This feature allows users to drop information directly into assessments, saving time and reducing errors. Remedial actions can be assigned, tracked, and reviewed, ensuring that risks are managed and outcomes are documented clearly.
Powerful data insights
AssessNET’s dashboards provide insights into CoSHH management. Organisations can maintain real-time visibility of key risks and compliance aspects, prioritising strategic actions where they matter most. Historical data tracking further aids in reviewing progress and improving processes over time.
Comprehensive access and control
Ensure that a CoSHH assessment is accessible from a single source and can be distributed to employees via a simple portal. Strong permission controls allow organisations to manage who has access to specific risk assessments, ensuring that sensitive information is protected.
Benefits for employees
Employees can confidently navigate the risks associated with hazardous substances. Immediate access to up-to-date and relevant information reduces uncertainty. Streamlined processes mean less time spent searching for information, allowing employees to focus on their tasks without compromising safety.
Benefits for employers
For employers, digital CoSHH assessment solutions offer improved compliance and risk management. They provide a clear and traceable audit trail, simplify regulatory reporting, and reduce the administrative burden. The ability to assign review periods or expiry dates for SDS and CoSHH assessments ensures ongoing compliance. Furthermore, a safer workplace leads to fewer incidents, which can boost morale, reduce absenteeism, and enhance productivity.
Riskex’s Solution – AssessNET’s CoSHH/ SDS Software
Digital CoSHH solutions are a game-changer for workplace safety. By making vital safety information accessible and actionable, tools like Riskex’s CoSHH software empower employees to make informed decisions and reduce the risks associated with hazardous substances. For organisations looking to enhance compliance and foster a culture of safety, investing in digital COSHH tools is a step in the right direction.
CoSHH AI – You can now automate your Safety Data Sheets
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- Fully trained AI which continues to learn and increase accuracy of future inputs.