Employers should not underestimate the risks associated with workplace dust. The HSE prosecution against Puratos Limited highlights how failures to control exposure to hazardous substances can escalate into six-figure enforcement action.

The company was fined £120,000 after workers were exposed to hazardous dust escaping from machinery, underlining the importance of effective risk assessment and control measures.

Workplace dust is a health and safety issue, not a cleanliness issue. It is, therefore, crucial for employers to understand the risks and implement effective preventative measures to protect their workforce first and foremost, and to avoid the reputational and financial consequences of getting it wrong. 

Dust exposure is a compliance concern

Dust management can often be treated as an operational inconvenience and something to be dealt with when there is time. Because dust is so familiar in our homes and workplaces, it can be easy to underestimate the risks it presents. However, it is harmful when it is allowed to build up and become airborne during normal work or cleaning.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) places clear obligations on employers to protect workers from hazardous substances, including workplace dust where exposure could harm health. This requires employers to identify and assess the risks, and to take appropriate steps to either prevent exposure or control it effectively. Simply reacting to problems after they arise is unlikely to be sufficient; proactive management of dust-related risks is essential.

The human and financial cost of getting it wrong

The consequences of health and safety failings can be significant and far-reaching. Most importantly, they can have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of workers. They may also result in substantial financial penalties, as demonstrated in the Puratos case, together with reputational damage and wider business disruption. Effective management of health and safety risks is therefore essential for all employers.

By understanding the risks associated with the work employees undertake, organisations can ensure controls are in place to minimise the risk of harm and enforcement action. 

The steps employers should take

Dust exposure cannot be left to chance. Good practice for managing workplace dust includes:

• Carry out risk assessments: Employers should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine potential respiratory or other hazards. This means evaluating daily tasks, processes, and substances that could lead to ill-health. 
• Have dedicated control measures: This is necessary to minimise exposure to harmful substances. Under COSSH, this can include substituting harmful substances with safer alternatives where possible and using engineering controls to reduce exposure. For instance, installing ventilation systems. 
• Regular staff training and personal protective equipment: Even the most effective control measures can be undermined if employees do not understand how to use them correctly. Regular training should therefore be provided on dust-related risks, safe working practices, and the proper use of PPE. Workers should also be aware of the symptoms that may arise from exposure to hazardous substances so that any health concerns can be identified and addressed promptly.
• Conduct health surveillance: Health surveillance is an important tool in protecting workers from the long-term effects of dust exposure. Regular checks can help detect early signs of respiratory disease, allowing employers to investigate concerns promptly, support affected employees, and assess whether additional control measures are required.
• Keep records up-to-date: Employers must maintain accurate records of risk assessments, control measures, training, and health surveillance to ensure safety standards are met and to evidence compliance. 
• Detail an emergency procedure: There should be a plan in place in case of an emergency or incidents resulting in exposure to hazardous substances. For instance, first-aid measures and clear evacuation procedures. 

The Puratos case serves as a timely reminder that workplace dust is far more than a housekeeping concern. When exposure risks are not properly assessed and controlled, the consequences can be severe, ranging from long-term harm to workers to significant fines and reputational consequences for businesses.

By adopting a proactive approach to risk assessment, exposure control, employee training and health surveillance, employers can better protect their workforce and foster a safer, healthier working environment.

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