COSHH AssessmentsWhat Contractors Need to Know
Identify and control hazardous substances on construction sites to protect workers from chemical and biological risks.
Book a Free Setup CallWho Needs COSHH Assessments?
If you manage subcontractors in these trades, you need to track this document for each of them.
What Are COSHH Assessments?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. A COSHH record documents every hazardous substance workers may encounter on site — from cement dust and solvents to adhesives and cleaning agents. It identifies the risks each substance poses, the controls needed to reduce exposure, and the monitoring required to keep workers safe. Records should cover exposure routes (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), required PPE, safe storage and disposal procedures, and first aid measures for each substance. Where workplace exposure limits (WELs) exist, the record must specify how compliance is monitored. Every employer whose workers handle or are exposed to hazardous substances must have these records in place before work begins.
Why COSHH Assessments Matter
Without proper COSHH records, workers face uncontrolled exposure to substances that cause serious illness — from occupational asthma and dermatitis to long-term respiratory damage. Construction workers are disproportionately affected: HSE data shows construction accounts for a significant share of occupational lung disease cases each year. Sites without these records risk HSE enforcement action, prohibition notices that halt work entirely, and fines that can reach tens of thousands of pounds per breach. Main contractors routinely reject subcontractor compliance packs that lack current COSHH documentation, meaning missing records cost you work before they cost you fines.
This guide is for informational purposes only. ContractorVault does not provide compliance advice, certify documents, or approve compliance status. Always consult a qualified professional for specific regulatory requirements.
What You Need to Know
Review Frequency
Review when substances change, new information emerges, or at least annually
Related Documents
Free compliance checklist — covers COSHH Assessments and every other document
Most UK contractors track subcontractor compliance in spreadsheets with gaps. This checklist covers every document you should be collecting, organised by category, so nothing slips through.
- Insurance certificates — ELI, PLI, and what cover amounts to check
- CSCS cards — which card for which role, and expiry tracking
- RAMS and method statements — what to collect and how to version them
- SSIP accreditations — CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor and more
- Training certificates — SMSTS, first aid, asbestos awareness with renewal periods
Get the free compliance checklist
We'll email you a structured list of every document you should be collecting from every subcontractor, including COSHH Assessments.
Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free 15-min setup call
Frequently Asked Questions — COSHH Assessments
What substances do COSHH records need to cover on a construction site?
COSHH records must cover every hazardous substance workers may encounter — including cement, silica dust, solvents, paints, adhesives, diesel fumes, wood dust, and cleaning chemicals. The records should identify each substance, its health risks, required control measures, and any exposure monitoring needed.
Do subcontractors need their own COSHH records or can they rely on the main contractor's?
Each employer is responsible for their own COSHH records covering the substances their workers handle. While a main contractor may share site-wide information, subcontractors must hold their own records specific to the tasks and substances their teams work with.
How often should COSHH records be reviewed?
COSHH records should be reviewed whenever there is a change in substances used, a change in the work process, new health information becomes available, or if monitoring shows current controls are not working. As a minimum, review them at least once a year.
Stop Chasing Paperwork. Start Seeing Clearly.
ContractorVault tracks your subcontractors' insurance, CSCS cards, accreditations, and RAMS in one place. Know exactly where every document stands.
Expiry Alerts
Automatic email alerts at 30, 14, and 7 days before any document expires. Never get caught off guard.
Gap Analysis
See instantly what’s current, expiring, expired, or missing across every subcontractor in your supply chain.
Document Storage
Every insurance certificate, CSCS card, and accreditation in one secure place. Find any document in seconds.
Built for UK Construction
Pre-configured for ELI, PLI, CSCS, SSIP, RAMS, Waste Carrier, CIS, and more. No setup guesswork.
From £300/month · Free setup · 30-day money-back guarantee
Stop Chasing Paperwork. Start Seeing Clearly.
Know exactly what documents you have, when they expire, and what's missing across your entire supply chain. Setup takes less than a day.
From £300/month · Free setup · 30-day money-back guarantee
Or email us at hello@contractorvault.co.uk