The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently ramped up its inspection efforts across manufacturing businesses utilizing metalworking fluids in their machining operations. This initiative, which began in October, targets the enforcement of safety regulations to prevent health issues related to these substances.
Inspection Findings
From the inspections carried out since October, over half revealed significant non-compliance with health and safety regulations. The main areas of concern were:
- Lack of local exhaust ventilation systems.
- Inadequate regular checks on fluid quality.
- Failure to provide health surveillance for workers to detect lung and skin conditions early.
Health Risks and Regulatory Context
Metalworking fluids, also referred to as 'white water,' pose serious health risks when workers are exposed through inhalation or direct contact. The mist generated during machining processes can lead to severe lung diseases. Under the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002), metalworking fluid is classified as a hazardous substance, highlighting the critical need for stringent control measures in the workplace.
Statistics from the 2022/23 period show that workplace exposure to hazardous substances like metalworking fluids is linked to approximately 12,000 lung disease deaths annually. Additionally, the manufacturing sector reports a significantly higher occurrence of occupational asthma than other industries, with an estimated 19,000 new cases of breathing and lung problems exacerbated or caused by workplace conditions.
Recommendations for Businesses
To mitigate these risks, the HSE stresses the importance of implementing proper control measures:
- Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) on CNC machines to remove metalworking fluid mist.
- Regular monitoring of fluid quality, including checks on concentration, pH levels, and bacterial contamination.
- Establishing health surveillance protocols with the assistance of occupational health professionals to promptly identify and address work-related health issues.
Protecting Workers and Businesses
The ramifications of neglecting worker health and safety extend beyond the immediate health impact, encompassing potential legal, financial, and reputational damages for businesses found non-compliant. The HSE's ongoing inspections and enforcement actions underscore the urgency of adhering to safety regulations to protect employees and ensure business continuity.
