EXTERNAL PUBLICATIONS
HSE RR1125
Hazardous substances at work: Findings from focus groups assessing operational staff's, dutyholders' and consultants' perceptions of COSHH, CLAW and DSEAR
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SUMMARY
Three domestic regulations set out employers' responsibilities in Great Britain to protect the health and safety of their workforce from exposure to hazardous substances. These are: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH); The Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW); and The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR).
The Health and Safety Executive undertook an evidence gathering exercise to review these regulations to explore how risk management of hazardous substances at work could be simplified whilst maintaining standards of protection.
This report details the findings from a series of focus groups which explored operational staff's, dutyholders' and consultants' perceptions and experiences of COSHH, CLAW and DSEAR. Overall the regulations are seen as relevant, required, fit for purpose, and supportive of the occupational safety and health (OSH) of employees. Any changes to regulations should include guidance to ensure dutyholders understand how they should comply with the regulations.
This Research Report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
