COSHH

COSHH for construction and trades

Construction kills more people through lung disease than through accidents. Silica dust, wood dust and welding fume are all carcinogens under COSHH, and cement causes burns and dermatitis. Most principal contractors now ask for a COSHH assessment with every method statement.

Last reviewed 2 September 2026

The substances created by work matter more than the ones in tins. Cutting a paving slab dry can exceed the silica limit in minutes. The assessment must cover the task that makes the dust, not just the product bought from the merchant.

HSE's expectation for dust is water suppression or on-tool extraction, plus RPE with a face fit test. For welding it is local exhaust ventilation indoors and RPE where extraction is not practical. Health surveillance is required for regular exposure to silica and wood dust.

Fuel handling is a fire and skin issue. Petrol is also a carcinogen, so decanting should be by pump not by pouring, with gloves, outdoors, engine off.

Completed examples for construction and trades

Substances to assess first