{"id":33212,"date":"2025-02-25T13:37:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T13:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?post_type=knowledge&#038;p=33212"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:03:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:03:29","slug":"what-is-coshh","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-coshh\/","title":{"rendered":"What is COSHH? Your responsibilities as an employer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over half a million people were injured in the workplace last year according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For small businesses, the results of a workplace injury could be catastrophic without the right level of insurance \u2013 from the cost of legal fees, to staff shortages and reputational damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-88231918-257b-414d-8794-48e081eef68e\">So if you deal with hazardous substances, you&#8217;re legally obliged to follow COSHH regulations \u2013 designed to help keep you and your employees safe. Read on to understand the most important aspects of COSHH and what you need to do to make sure you&#8217;re compliant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-coshh-stand-for\">What does COSHH stand for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">COSHH stands for &#8216;Control of Substances Hazardous to Health&#8217;. It&#8217;s a set of health and safety regulations designed to protect workers from risks posed by hazardous substances, including certain gases and chemicals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-fa390052-fb18-42f8-a3f6-dfe0e4f5e8e6\">What is COSHH? And why does it matter to employers?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-0325d9f3-01ad-4220-a0d3-14bb95f5c413\">COSHH provides a framework for preventing or limiting exposure to harmful fumes, chemicals, and corrosive substances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-2d40934a-91c1-49ef-bc22-485a7149555e\">Substances covered by COSHH include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-e29c3ddb-a2c7-4b3a-a3b0-66f289eb00b1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">chemicals \u2013 any element or compound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">products containing chemicals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">fumes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">dusts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">vapours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">mists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">nanotechnology \u2013 some nanomaterials may be more reactive, more easily inhaled, or able to penetrate the skin easily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">gases and asphyxiating gases\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">biological agents \u2013 bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">germs that cause diseases \u2013 leptospirosis or legionnaires disease, for example<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-027c126f-a8e3-4631-95c0-5e47f03d285e\">COSHH<strong> does not <\/strong>cover:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-85463499-1dc0-4363-8361-70e3de5a3c94\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">lead \u2013 covered under the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2002\/2676\/contents\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">asbestos \u2013 which has its own set of regulations under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2012\/632\/contents\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">radioactive substances <strong>\u2013<\/strong> covered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/1993\/12\/contents\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Radioactive Substances Act 1993<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-c9b82b7f-5497-4ab6-b26d-660ee34d8f4a\">COSHH should form part of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1281\" >health and safety policy<\/a>, along with your other measures around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ppe-regulations-for-employers\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"17099\" >personal protective equipment (PPE)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/working-at-height-regulations\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1301\" >working from height<\/a>, for example.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-3c90c523-b767-4abe-a1c7-fdfccd0e9f08\">What are the three main regulations of COSHH?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-d1e0c905-bd0c-4295-8a16-429851cf4c17\">COSHH regulations are comprehensive but are often summarised into three key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-8bcb8fb4-d040-4d77-90a3-1389576e0e2f\">1. COSHH risk assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-e2941f49-cbd2-4c6b-b868-e1eccb0df73d\">A risk assessment is the foundation of COSHH. As an employer, you have a legal duty to identify the hazardous substances in your workplace and evaluate their potential risk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-e0cf28e2-cca2-4ff8-941c-82eef777548b\">You need to think about the harmful substances in your workplace but also about your process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-a774c11c-d519-4619-b126-9feea54c341c\">If you work with chemicals, there is clearly a risk. But if you\u2019re regularly sanding or welding, you need to consider the fumes and debris as a risk too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-e86bf2f7-f017-4435-915b-c714d4015000\">According to COSHH guidelines, a competent person needs to complete the risk assessment. If the risks at your business are basic, you can probably do it yourself. But if your workplace poses complex risks, you\u2019ll probably need an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/occupational-health-for-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1248\" >occupational health and safety consultant<\/a> to complete the assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-7247efa1-0a2b-4749-9e7b-1ec92702790e\">Once your risk assessment is complete, you need to determine how you\u2019re going to mitigate these risks to your employees. <strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-7ac37606-c6ee-4c37-9142-be990910637f\">2. Control of exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-074d8846-c506-4622-9550-a1484245fe29\">COSHH outlines how employers can effectively manage the risks in their workplace. There\u2019s a step-by-step process you need to follow when assessing each hazardous substance:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-6722f8d7-ae79-4be6-b413-d9044320401d\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">elimination \u2013 can you remove the substance all together?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">substitution \u2013 can you replace the hazardous substance with a less dangerous one?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">engineering controls \u2013 what physical measures, like ventilation, can you use?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">administrative controls \u2013 what practices can you bring in to make sure your staff are working as safely as possible?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">PPE \u2013 what protective equipment do your employees need to keep them safe?\u00a0<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-d1346f09-7880-4443-a21b-055ed1f6d205\">3. Health surveillance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-07b8a6be-2c17-47fd-8fe8-12fb17cbf5be\">Health surveillance means monitoring your workers&#8217; health to detect any early signs of sickness. If they become sick, you need to make sure they get the appropriate medical attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-3aa711f3-879e-4874-a9f3-30160efa40ae\">Health surveillance is necessary when you think there\u2019s a legitimate risk posed in your workplace. The HSE has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/coshh\/assets\/docs\/healthsurveilance.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">checklist for employers<\/a> to help determine if health surveillance is necessary, with questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-31fc1349-d98e-4523-a8c3-d73d32ee850d\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">what are the hazards to health in my workplace?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">what are the risks they pose?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">does my risk assessment sufficiently cover the risks?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">is there still a health risk?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">do I need to consider health surveillance?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-19c45605-7488-4368-b7ac-faaa838a6758\">Health surveillance should be carried out by<strong> a competent person,<\/strong> such as an occupational health professional.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-33919f56-fba5-46d8-b657-59812e3e7048\">Do you need to provide COSHH training to staff?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-fdf5808a-ec66-4cfb-8147-4772933d5422\">Yes, you do. It\u2019s a legal requirement under COSHH regulations to educate your employees about the potential risks in your workplace and how to mitigate them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-f767a4a0-4391-4941-986e-0f768a60a639\">If you\u2019ve got a good understanding of COSHH, and the risks in your business aren\u2019t overly complex, you can train your employees yourself. You just need to make sure you:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-67288330-3152-4db7-9655-9caa19578b84\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">identify hazardous substances\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">share your risk assessment\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">share your control measures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">teach safe work practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">explain emergency procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-35a25239-cd73-438d-bd16-e998ec5086c8\">But if the risks are more complex, or you don\u2019t understand COSHH regulations well enough, someone qualified will need to deliver the training. This can be done in person or online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-1aa38e86-2c7f-4a6e-b4bc-01cda68459ed\">Make a record of the training they take, including the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-da618fa2-89f7-466c-9dd7-f588d51b4c72\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">content of the training<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">list of employees who attended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">name and qualifications of the trainer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">date of training<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-8a4e988f-9d5e-4fc4-ba63-78a6c8719e13\">This will be useful if HSE investigates an accident in your workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-cb4c1060-e769-40e0-82ee-490d0c5b2c13\">Make sure your staff know the COSHH symbols&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-5217de36-3edb-4470-916e-157b36f6e314\">The UK has adopted the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for its hazard symbols. This means the symbols used in the UK are the same as those used internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-dae3f06e-a6f1-4486-ac3b-1c61068574b7\">The symbols will typically be placed on the containers of substances to indicate what risk they pose. Flammable, corrosive, health hazard, and explosive are common symbols you\u2019d find, but there\u2019s also:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-d7f2fcc7-3da0-4fc0-ac85-1d8d861b9fca\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">gas under pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">oxidising\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">acute toxicity\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">hazardous to environment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">serious health hazard\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\" id=\"block-cc556698-c2eb-45b0-a5b1-080e5f8596f8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is coshh-symbols-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-33222\" style=\"width:528px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg?resize=800,800 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/image.jpeg?resize=96,96 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br><em>\u0e22\u0e07\u0e22\u0e38\u0e17\u0e18 \u0e08\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e30\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e15\u0e23\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-4ca9f153-cf49-4da8-b5f2-e6d5ea503d7d\">Make sure these hazard symbols are a part of your training and that they\u2019re used appropriately on your worksite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-225bbff0-949f-4718-b3aa-ed814e70850b\">What happens if you don\u2019t follow COSHH regulations?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-7b2df5af-a84f-495b-891e-97b4563e429f\">The HSE can issue unlimited fines for COSHH breaches and employers can even face criminal prosecution in more serious cases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-fa265f0e-6b88-4966-bbee-ba83855440c5\">If you\u2019re not following COSHH regulations correctly, the HSE will issue an enforcement notice. You\u2019ll be given a certain amount of time to improve your workplace safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-d2a2297e-bde1-4b56-9be6-5ec899e44f4b\">If you fail to make the changes. the HSE can escalate to fines, prosecution, and even business closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-employers-liability-insurance-cover-coshh-related-accidents\">Does employers\u2019 liability insurance cover COSHH-related accidents?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-bc0af954-d08c-4fd3-84fc-65cf10fe9360\">If you take every reasonable precaution to prevent an accident and follow COSHH regulations, employers\u2019 liability insurance could cover a claim.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-7ca0f1cb-0291-44ce-8ef1-f141aa452a6e\">If an employee makes a claim against you for negligence, but you feel you\u2019ve taken every precaution, the claim could go to court. The court will then assess your evidence, which will include your risk assessment and work practices, and decide who is liable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-8329caf6-51d8-4d63-b121-df4d69a9704c\">Your Insurance would in that case cover the legal fees for defence, and any compensation payout the court deems fit. This is why following COSHH regulations is crucial.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you fail to take reasonable precautions and comply with COSHH regulations, your insurer may not cover your claim, leaving you to bear the full financial burden.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-b3726cb8-73aa-4b47-b7d5-a8102a4c9715\">More useful guides for employers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-does-employers-liability-insurance-cover\/\">What is employers\u2019 liability?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/fire-safety-policy\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1386\" >A small business guide to fire safety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/what-is-a-staff-handbook\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1058\" >How to write a staff handbook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ssp-rate-how-much-is-statutory-sick-pay\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1222\" >What is statutory sick pay?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out more about the health and safety regulations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":33043,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[342,337,343],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[23],"class_list":["post-33212","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-staff","category-sme-insurance","category-trades"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is COSHH? Your responsibilities as an employer - Simply Business UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You must understand COSHH regulations if your or your employees work with hazardous substances. Find out the key aspects of the legislation.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-coshh\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is COSHH? Your responsibilities as an employer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You must understand COSHH regulations if your or your employees work with hazardous substances. 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