Intelligent Risk Reduction

Most companies will not usually purchase a substance only to keep it locked away and never used. They purchase a substance for a specific purpose, be it to lubricate, clean, glue objects together, seal, etc. It is when the substance is used that the potential for exposure occurs. In other words, the risk arises out of the use, not out of the particular properties of the substance. This is why exposure to water remains the most common cause of occupational contact dermatitis, i.e. as a result of what is termed “wet work”. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that your COSHH assessments should be task based, this is what the Health and Safety Executive expect and it is what they look for during an inspection of your COSHH assessments.

Merely collecting all the safety data sheets for substances purchased, then attempting to conduct a risk assessment safety data sheet by safety data sheet is not the correct approach. We need to start by identifying the task, then what substances are used in the execution of that task and how they are used. From this we can identify the hazard that will arise from the use of these substances.

Here are some of the benefits of of using Sevron’s intelligent risk reduction methodology:

• Feel confident your COSHH assessments comply with current COSHH legislation
• Save time you may waste producing COSHH assessments for substances you never use
• Save money on employee claims made because the ‘substance assessment’ wasn’t adequate for the task/operator
• Protect your businesses image through credible and compliant risk assessment
• Look professional by implementing COSHH management software that puts you in control
• Take control by identifying the risks and safety measures that only you and your operators know