The Health and Safety Executive (“HSE”) has just announced that it will begin inspecting large bakeries across Great Britain from January 2026.
Flour dust is considered to be a leading cause of occupational asthma in Great Britain, and exposure to other ingredients such as bread improver enzymes can cause respiratory sensitisation.
High-risk bakery tasks include flour dusting, handling and dispensing dry ingredients, and cleaning spills.
The HSE say that their Inspectors will assess compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, focusing on the hierarchy of controls:
- Eliminate dusty processes
- Substitute with low-dust or alternative ingredients
- Use engineering controls (e.g. local exhaust ventilation)
- Provide respiratory protective equipment as a last resort
Employers must also provide health surveillance for exposed workers and this will form part of the checks to be carried out.
The HSE emphasises that eliminating or substituting dust risks is more effective than relying on ventilation or protective equipment.
It remains to be seen whether this round of inspections will lead to any further actions.
