Call Us: 01793 852951
in**@*********co.uk
Recent Project
Occupational Health and Health & Safety Working Together
The Challenge
During one of our routine annual health surveillance medical appointments with a customer in the print industry, a member of their staff was found to have isocyanate levels above normal limits.
Isocyanate is a hazardous chemical which is used in many industries, including motor vehicle, furniture manufacture, printing, and paint and adhesive manufacturing. Exposure can lead to serious long-term health effects, including occupational asthma.
Swift action is not only a regulatory requirement – it is a critical step in protecting employee health and preventing further exposure.
Once the isocyanate result had been flagged up by our Occupational Health Technician, our Health & Safety team, together with the customer, moved quickly. Within days, one of our experienced consultants was at the customer’s workplace conducting a comprehensive assessment of their site, which focused on working practices, exposure controls, and environmental management.
Safewell Solution
Our assessment included the following:
- Reviewing COSHH assessments for all isocyanate-containing substances, ensuring they followed the HSE’s Essential Guide and captured all necessary control measures from the relevant Safety Data Sheets.
- Checking servicing documentation for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and air circulation systems.
- Recommending repeat air monitoring to reassess current conditions. This led to the upgrade of the LEV system, installation of bench extraction hoods, and the purchase of enclosed screen wash equipment.
- Confirming that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements (e.g. gloves, goggles, protective clothing) were clearly listed in the control measures, and reinforcing their use.
Clear Actions and Long-Term Improvements
As a result of our review, and working together with the employer, a series of practical measures were agreed and implemented to reduce exposure risks and enhance compliance across the site:
- Ongoing air monitoring in screen and print areas
- Regular management walk-rounds to ensure correct PPE usage
- A tailored Toolbox Talk on PPE, written by Safewell and delivered in-house
- Investigation into isocyanate-free alternatives
- Creation of a PPE procedure, with HR involvement, including potential disciplinary action for non-compliance
- A follow-up health surveillance appointment for the affected employee in six months, as advised by the Occupational Health Physician
- Continued annual health surveillance for all relevant staff
This case highlights the real-world value of Safewell’s integrated approach. Because we offer both Occupational Health and Health & Safety services, we were able to respond immediately, coordinate internally, and deliver a comprehensive solution without delay.
And the outcome? Enhanced confidence for the employer, with improved awareness among their employees, and a proactive plan in place to ensure exposure levels remain tightly controlled going forward.
