HSE launches web guidance tool

Monday, 3 March 2008

Helping contractors understand and manage occupational health risks more effectively

In February 2008, HSE launched a new web site based tool to help contractors understand and manage occupational health risks more effectively. The tool is called the Construction Occupational Health Management Essentials (COHME for short).

Over the years HSE and the construction industry have published plenty of guidance on specific risks. However, what's new about COHME is that it describes a framework to manage occupational health risks in general. COHME is intended to assist clients, designers and contractors and deals with 7 priority risks: Hand-arm vibration, Musculo-skeletal disorders, Dermatitis, Noise, Stress, Respiratory disease and Asbestos.

COHME contains examples, case studies and links to 3rd party websites. COHME also provides guidance on important matters like Safety-Critical Work, Health Surveillance and obtaining Expert Help.

HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, Stephen Williams said: "We want occupational health to move up the agenda for all construction companies. Large companies can show real leadership in influencing this cultural change. Properly managing occupational health is not a new legal requirement and we expect to see good practice in the industry.

"The COHME tool will equip all construction companies with practical advice on how to tackle rising occupational health issues such as dermatitis, asbestos, respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.

"The COHME tool will facilitate the initiative and leadership that the construction industry needs to take to tackle the occupational health issue. I urge large construction companies to act on this, with smaller companies adopting this as a part of the supply chain process. Time is ticking and now is the time to show ownership of this issue."

COHME does not mean that HSE expects the industry to do more. The legal requirements to eliminate assess and control occupational health risks have existed for many years. COHME is intended to help the industry understand and deal with these risks in a smarter and more holistic way.

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