A recent industry survey has revealed a significant rise in demand for COSHH Assessor training across the UK, underscoring growing employer awareness of chemical safety compliance amid evolving Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.

Increased Regulatory Scrutiny Drives Training Uptake

The report, published by a leading occupational health consultancy, analysed responses from over 500 UK businesses in sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. It found that 68% of respondents had increased COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Assessor training budgets in the past 12 months.

This surge is attributed to heightened enforcement activity by the HSE, which recorded a 15% increase in workplace chemical-related incident investigations in 2023 compared to the previous year. Rising fines and prosecutions have made chemical risk assessment a key compliance focus.

Key Findings Highlight Training Gaps and Employer Challenges

  • Only 43% of employers currently have a fully trained COSHH Assessor in-house, despite legal requirements under the COSHH Regulations 2002 to adequately assess and control hazardous substances.
  • Smaller businesses with fewer than 50 employees reported the greatest difficulties in accessing suitable training, citing cost and logistical barriers.
  • Less than half of respondents were confident their current chemical risk assessments met HSE expectations, indicating a potential compliance shortfall.

Health and safety experts note that these gaps could expose workplaces to avoidable risks, including chemical exposure leading to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and long-term health effects.

Implications for UK Employers

With the HSE emphasising a proactive approach to COSHH compliance, employers face increasing pressure to ensure competent personnel conduct thorough assessments of hazardous substances. Failure to do so not only risks employee health but can result in enforcement notices and substantial penalties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Industry professionals advise that investing in accredited COSHH Assessor training can help organisations meet regulatory requirements, improve workplace safety, and reduce liability.

"The data clearly shows that proactive training in COSHH assessment is no longer optional but essential for compliance and workforce protection," says a health and safety consultant involved in the survey. "Businesses that act now are better positioned to manage chemical risks effectively and avoid costly enforcement actions."

Training Providers Respond to Market Needs

Training providers such as Abertay Training are expanding delivery options to meet rising demand, offering COSHH Assessor courses both face-to-face at multiple UK venues—including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast—and live via Zoom.

The COSHH Assessor course, priced at £250 plus VAT, equips participants with the skills to identify hazardous substances, evaluate risks, and implement control measures in line with current legislation. Flexible delivery formats aim to improve accessibility, particularly for SMEs struggling with traditional training models.

As the regulatory landscape tightens, UK employers are encouraged to review their chemical safety strategies and ensure staff are suitably trained to comply with COSHH regulations.

More information about COSHH Assessor training is available at Abertay Training’s course page.