At Safety First Group, we don’t just help businesses tick compliance boxes—we protect people. As a leading provider of occupational hygiene and environmental monitoring solutions, we understand that managing workplace health risks is about more than meeting legal requirements. It’s about creating safer, healthier environments for everyone.
With that in mind, here are 5 essential occupational hygiene insights every Health & Safety Manager needs to know to stay compliant, avoid unnecessary risk, and safeguard their workforce:
- Legal Compliance Isn’t Optional
When it comes to occupational hygiene, legislation like COSHH, the Health & Safety at Work Act, and HSE regulations make assessments a legal obligation, not a “nice-to-have.”
Failure to comply doesn’t just open the door to fines—it puts lives at risk. Whether it’s hazardous substances, noise, or workplace air quality, employers have a duty of care to assess and manage these risks. Our occupational hygiene assessments ensure your business is operating within legal limits and fully compliant with UK regulations.
Tip: Non-compliance with COSHH can lead to fines of up to £20,000 per breach—and in serious cases, unlimited penalties and imprisonment.
- Monitoring Makes the Invisible Visible
The most dangerous workplace hazards are often the ones you can’t see. Airborne dusts, vapours, fumes, and excessive noise might not be obvious to the naked eye—but they can still cause long-term damage to health.
Through exposure monitoring and occupational hygiene surveys, we make the invisible risks visible. Early detection allows you to implement controls before problems escalate, protecting both your workforce and your productivity.
Common monitoring includes:
- Inhalable and respirable dust
- Chemical exposure
- Noise level assessments
- Air quality and ventilation analysis
- Vibration Is the Silent Threat
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Whole-Body Vibration injuries are increasingly common in industries using heavy or hand-held equipment. These conditions can be disabling—and they’re entirely preventable with the right monitoring and control measures.
We assess vibration magnitude, exposure duration, and tool usage to ensure you’re within the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Our assessments also include practical steps to reduce risk and track exposure over time.
Fact: The HSE estimates around 2 million UK workers are at risk from HAVS. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—preventive action is key.
- It’s Not Just About the Air
Occupational hygiene doesn’t stop at the air you breathe. Factors like temperature, lighting, and humidity also play a significant role in employee wellbeing and operational performance.
Inadequate lighting can lead to eye strain and accidents. Poor thermal comfort can reduce concentration and morale. At Safety First Group, our assessments cover environmental factors that influence both safety and productivity, going beyond minimum standards to deliver long-term value.
- Control Measures Need Follow-Up
An initial risk assessment is just the start. Ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews are essential to ensure that your safety controls remain relevant, effective, and responsive to operational change.
Whether you’re introducing new equipment, changing work processes, or expanding your facility, these changes can introduce new risks. Our team provides tailored re-assessments and support to help you stay ahead of compliance and proactively manage health risks.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re unsure where to start or want to benchmark your current approach to occupational hygiene, we’re here to help. From one-off exposure assessments to full workplace audits, Safety First Group offers bespoke solutions to suit your business, workforce and budget.
Talk to our team today!