In a significant move to safeguard workers' health, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is intensifying inspections across manufacturing businesses that utilise metalworking fluids in their machining processes. This initiative, which will run until March 2024, underscores the critical need for rigorous health surveillance in the industry.
The Risks of Metalworking Fluids
Exposure to metalworking fluids has been linked to severe health issues, primarily affecting the lungs and skin. These risks underscore the necessity of early detection of work-related health problems, a primary goal of health surveillance initiatives. Recent HSE statistics from 2022-2023 reveal alarming figures: approximately 12,000 deaths from lung diseases and 19,000 new cases of breathing and lung problems, both directly associated with workplace hazards. Notably, the manufacturing industry, especially metalworking machine operatives, exhibits significantly higher rates of occupational asthma and dermatitis.
Legal Requirements and Health Surveillance
Health surveillance, a series of repeated health checks, is mandated by law, particularly in environments with exposure to fluid or mist. This requirement holds even when preventative measures like fluid quality checks and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) are in place. The focus is primarily on preventing lung diseases and dermatitis, which are prevalent among workers handling metalworking fluid.
Implementing Effective Health Surveillance
For businesses, particularly smaller manufacturing companies that often struggle with compliance, setting up a proper health surveillance scheme is crucial. This involves engaging an occupational health professional with the requisite skills and experience. Additionally, it's important to collaborate with trade union safety representatives, employee representatives, and the employees themselves. Encouraging workers to report health symptoms promptly is also vital for the efficacy of these health checks.
Key Control Measures
Two primary control measures are emphasised: local exhaust ventilation (LEV) on CNC machines to reduce inhalation exposure and regular monitoring and maintenance of fluid quality to control risks associated with water-mix metalworking fluid.
Resources and Further Information
The HSE provides detailed guidelines and resources for businesses:
Campaign for Awareness
For more comprehensive information and resources, businesses are encouraged to visit the campaign website dedicated to the metalworking fluids inspection initiative. The campaign aims to educate and provide tools for businesses to enhance workplace safety and health surveillance practices, ultimately reducing the devastating impact of work-related lung diseases.
