HSE Inspections Are Increasing: What Employers Using Paints And Coatings Need To Know
Recent HSE inspection activity is focusing on businesses where workers may be exposed to hazardous substances, including those using paints and coatings.
While much of the current attention is on isocyanates in sectors such as vehicle repair and spray painting, the underlying message is wider: employers are expected to demonstrate that their control measures are working in practice, not just on paper.
For many businesses, this has brought health surveillance and exposure monitoring into sharper focus.
Why isocyanates are under scrutiny
Isocyanates are commonly found in:
- Two‑pack (2K) paints and coatings
- Adhesives, foams and sealants
They are one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in the UK, particularly in spray‑based work.
A key challenge is that exposure is not always obvious:
- Isocyanates are often invisible and odourless
- Exposure can occur through inhalation or skin contact
- Once a worker becomes sensitised, even low‑level exposure can trigger significant symptoms
Because of this, the HSE is placing increased emphasis on whether employers can verify that controls are effective, not just that they exist.
What employers are expected to have in place
Under COSHH regulations, employers must:
- Assess the risks from hazardous substances
- Put appropriate control measures in place (e.g. ventilation and PPE)
- Monitor exposure where necessary
- Provide health surveillance for employees at risk
In practice, for businesses using isocyanate‑based products, this often includes biological monitoring (typically urine testing) alongside regular health checks.
This is what HSE inspectors are increasingly asking to see during visits.
Why demand for testing has increased
Alongside increased inspection activity, there has been a noticeable rise in demand for isocyanate testing across the UK.
One practical effect of this is that laboratory processing times are currently longer than usual, reflecting the volume of testing being carried out.
From an employer’s perspective, the key point is simply to plan ahead where possible, rather than leaving testing until it becomes urgent.
A practical takeaway for employers
If your business uses paints, coatings or other hazardous substances, it’s worth taking a moment to consider:
- Does your risk assessment reflect how work is actually carried out?
- Are your current controls effective in practice?
- Do you have appropriate health surveillance in place where needed?
- Have you allowed enough time to put testing in place if required?
Taking a proactive approach can make inspections more straightforward, while also helping to protect the long‑term health of your workforce.
Local support
We’re supporting a growing number of businesses across Kent, London, Sussex and Essex with occupational health advice and health surveillance linked to workplace exposure risks.
If you’d like to discuss how this applies to your business, you’re welcome to get in touch.